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LC 2261

Generally revise the law regarding noneconomic damages

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill to revise noneconomic damages law failed in 2025; would have changed pain-and-suffering compensation rules affecting injury lawsuits statewide.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
#remedies
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Bill Summary · LC 2261

Legislative bill overview

LC 2261 proposes general revisions to Montana law governing noneconomic damages—compensation awarded for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life rather than quantifiable financial losses. The bill died in the legislative process in May 2025 before receiving a floor vote or committee hearing.

Why is this important

Noneconomic damages caps and standards significantly affect lawsuit outcomes in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. Changes to these laws directly impact how much plaintiffs can recover and affect litigation costs, insurance premiums, and healthcare provider behavior across Montana.

Potential points of contention

  • Damage caps: Whether to impose or modify limits on noneconomic damages awards, which defendant-aligned groups favor to control liability but plaintiff advocates oppose as unfairly restricting recovery
  • Calculation standards: How noneconomic damages should be determined—whether through specific formulas, jury discretion, or other mechanisms—affecting consistency and predictability
  • Scope expansion or limitation: Whether the bill broadens categories of recoverable noneconomic damages or restricts them, affecting which injury types qualify for compensation

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

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