CIVIL PROCEDURE: Provides for limitations relative to claims for general damages. (8/1/26)

SB 361 (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2315.14) limits general damages in personal injury lawsuits to $500,000 per claim, unless exceptions apply. It increases the cap to $1 million for claims involving permanent mental injuries that severely impact employment or daily living. Exceptions allow higher awards for severe physical injuries (like disfigurement, loss of limb, or loss of independent self-care) or when a defendant acted intentionally or maliciously. This bill directly affects personal injury claimants and defendants in Louisiana civil courts by setting fixed damage limits with specific legal exceptions.