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SB 827

Damages; increasing maximum limitation on compensation for noneconomic loss; removing exceptions to limitation on noneconomic loss compensation. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Gollihare

SB 827 raises Oklahoma's noneconomic damage caps in civil lawsuits and removes existing exceptions, potentially increasing liability exposure for defendants while expanding injured plaintiffs' compensation options.

Second Reading referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 827

Legislative bill overview

SB 827 increases the maximum cap on noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress) that plaintiffs can recover in civil lawsuits and removes existing exceptions to this cap. The bill adjusts how Oklahoma limits compensation for intangible harms in personal injury and tort cases.

Why is this important

Damage caps directly affect how much injured parties can recover beyond medical bills and lost wages. This change could significantly increase liability exposure for defendants (individuals, businesses, and institutions) while potentially providing greater compensation to plaintiffs for serious injuries. It represents a shift in how Oklahoma balances injured parties' rights against defendant protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Business and insurance concerns: Higher damage caps increase litigation costs and insurance premiums, which may be passed to consumers
  • Access to justice debate: Supporters argue higher caps better compensate serious injuries; opponents contend they encourage frivolous lawsuits and drive up defensive costs
  • Removal of exceptions: Eliminating carve-outs may affect specific sectors (healthcare, government entities) that previously had different rules, creating uneven impacts across industries

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

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