CIVIL/DAMAGES: Provides limitations relative to claims for general damages

HB 118 sets a $5 million cap on "general damages" in Louisiana civil lawsuits involving injury or harm, affecting plaintiffs seeking compensation for non-monetary losses like pain, suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life. It defines "general damages" to exclude punitive damages and special damages (such as medical bills or lost wages), which remain unaffected by the cap. Courts must reduce any jury award exceeding $5 million for general damages, though juries will not be informed of this limit during trials. The bill applies to all tort cases under Louisiana law and does not alter what types of damages are legally recoverable.