Bill Text: VA HB1305 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Punitive damages; eliminates limitation of total amount that can be awarded in an action.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-15 - Left in Courts of Justice [HB1305 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HB1305-Introduced.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §8.01-38.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§8.01-38.1. Recovery of punitive damages.
In any action accruing on or after July 1, 1988, including an
action for medical malpractice under Chapter 21.1 (§8.01-581.1 et seq.), the
total amount awarded for punitive damages against all defendants found to be
liable shall be determined by the trier of fact.
In no event shall the total amount awarded for punitive damages exceed
$350,000. The jury shall not be advised of the limitation prescribed by this
section. However, if a jury returns a verdict for punitive damages in excess of
the maximum amount specified in this section, the judge shall reduce the award
and enter judgment for such damages in the maximum amount provided by this
section.
