Are There Caps on Damages in Personal Injury Cases in Tennessee?
I have a personal injury case that must be filed in Tennessee. Are there any caps on damages in these cases?
Not under current law. However, the Tennessee General Assembly has recently passed a law that the Governor is expected to sign that will cap non-economic losses in most cases at $750,000. In a few cases the cap is raised to $1,000,000.
Non-economic damages are damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The new law will apply to all injuries (and deaths) that accrue on or after October 1, 2011. It is apparent from your question that your injury has already occurred. Therefore, the only cap on damages in your case (unless your case is against a governmental entity) is the considered judgment of the jury. Damage claims against governmental entities have been capped for years.
