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SB 99

Medical malpractice; limitations on recovery, certain actions.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Stanley

SB 99 restricts medical malpractice damage recovery in Virginia, limiting plaintiff compensation while potentially reducing healthcare liability costs and insurance premiums.

Reported from Courts of Justice and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 4-N 1-A)
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Bill Summary · SB 99

Legislative bill overview

SB 99 modifies Virginia's medical malpractice liability framework by imposing limitations on damage recovery in medical negligence cases. The bill restructures how plaintiffs can recover compensation for injuries caused by healthcare provider negligence, likely including caps on non-economic damages or modifications to liability standards.

Why is this important

Medical malpractice law directly affects patients' ability to recover compensation for injuries, healthcare costs, and suffering caused by provider negligence. It also influences malpractice insurance premiums, physician practice patterns, and ultimately the cost and availability of healthcare services in Virginia. The fiscal impact assessment suggests meaningful budgetary implications for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient compensation vs. provider protection: Limitations on recovery may reduce patients' ability to fully compensate for permanent disabilities or pain-and-suffering losses, while proponents argue caps reduce defensive medicine costs and insurance premiums
  • Cap on non-economic damages: If the bill includes damage caps, critics argue this disproportionately harms severely injured patients while defenders contend it provides predictability for healthcare providers and insurers
  • Access to justice concerns: Restrictions may discourage viable lawsuits by making cases less economically attractive for plaintiffs' attorneys to pursue, potentially leaving injured patients without recourse

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

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