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HB 291

CIVIL/PROCEDURE: Provides relative to prescriptive periods for wrongful death and survival actions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 17 co-sponsors

Louisiana law modifies wrongful death and survival action filing deadlines, effective August 2025, affecting plaintiffs' time to sue and defendants' liability exposure.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 176.
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Bill Summary · HB 291

Legislative bill overview

HB 291 modifies Louisiana's civil procedure laws governing the time limits (prescriptive periods) for filing wrongful death and survival actions. The bill adjusts when lawsuits related to deaths caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing must be filed before the right to sue expires.

Why is this important

Prescriptive periods directly affect injured parties' access to justice by determining how long they have to pursue legal claims. Changes to these timelines can significantly impact plaintiffs' ability to recover damages for lost loved ones and can affect the statute of limitations defense available to defendants.

Potential points of contention

  • Plaintiff protections vs. defendant certainty: Shorter prescriptive periods may limit plaintiffs' time to discover injuries and file suit, while longer periods extend uncertainty for potential defendants
  • Retroactive application questions: Whether the new prescriptive periods apply to deaths that occurred before the law's August 1, 2025 effective date could create litigation disputes
  • Insurance and liability implications: Changes may affect insurance coverage calculations and premium structures for businesses and professionals facing wrongful death exposure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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