Civil Actions - Noneconomic Damages - Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

SB 584 would repeal Maryland’s current limits on noneconomic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Currently, these limits cap awards at $500,000 (with annual increases) for personal injury claims and restrict wrongful death awards to 150% of that amount. The bill removes all such caps, allowing juries to award unlimited noneconomic damages - such as compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, or loss of companionship - without financial constraints. This change would directly affect plaintiffs in lawsuits involving injuries or deaths caused by negligence, as well as their families seeking compensation for non-monetary losses. The repeal applies prospectively, meaning it only affects cases arising on or after October 1, 2025.