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HB 939

Relating to a liability limit for noneconomic damages for personal injury claims.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Vasut

HB 939 caps noneconomic damages in Texas personal injury lawsuits, limiting jury awards for pain, suffering, and other intangible harms to protect defendants from large verdicts.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #tortreform(i0816)
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Bill Summary · HB 939

Legislative bill overview

HB 939 proposes to establish or modify caps on noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life) that plaintiffs can recover in personal injury lawsuits in Texas. The bill would limit the amount juries can award for these intangible damages, regardless of the severity of the injury or circumstances of the case.

Why is this important

Noneconomic damage caps directly affect how much compensation injury victims can receive for suffering that doesn't have a clear financial value. This impacts both plaintiffs seeking full compensation for their injuries and defendants' insurance costs and litigation exposure, making it a contentious issue affecting the civil justice system's balance between consumer protection and business liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim compensation vs. tort reform: Supporters argue caps prevent runaway jury awards and reduce frivolous litigation; opponents contend they unfairly limit recovery for genuinely injured plaintiffs, particularly those with severe, permanent injuries
  • Cap amount and applicability: Disputes likely over whether caps should be uniform across all injury types, adjusted for inflation, or have exceptions for catastrophic injuries or specific defendants (like medical professionals)
  • Insurance and business impact: The bill may reduce insurance premiums and litigation costs for businesses and healthcare providers, but could shift financial burden onto injured individuals and their families

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

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