New Laws to Curb Jackpot Verdicts
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 4, 2025) – New legislation has been signed into law that will give businesses more predictability and ultimately save Oklahomans in healthcare and insurance costs.
Governor Stitt signed SB 453 into law last week. The new law puts a cap on non-economic damages that will help curb excessive litigation costs, protect healthcare providers and rural hospitals, and support a stable insurance market.
For the last five years, the absence of a cap on non-economic damages has led to more frequent “nuclear verdicts,” higher litigation costs, uncertainty for healthcare providers, and growing unpredictability for businesses and insurers alike. Data shows excessive tort costs drain $3.79 billion in gross product and 32,000 jobs every year from our state’s economy.
“Our courts aren’t casinos. It’s not a place where you go to make 40% on your investment. You go there as a plaintiff and your attorney,” said Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs for the Oklahoma State Chamber. “Oklahomans should be fairly compensated when injured, and businesses should be held accountable, but eight-8 and nine-figure verdicts hurt our entire state.”
SB 453 places a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages with exceptions up to $1 million for permanent mental injuries under certain circumstances and allows awards to exceed the cap in the event of “permanent and severe” injury as well as in cases arising from instances of fraud or negligence.
Another provision in the bill will ensure that expert testimony admitted in our courts is based on sound science and proven methodology. This standard — already in place in most states and federal courts — would help prevent “junk science” from swaying juries and promote fairer, more evidence-based outcomes.
,HB 2619 is another legal reform bill signed into law this session. The bill makes third party litigation funding agreements discoverable and outlaws lawsuit investments from foreign adversaries, allowing defendants to better understand what they are up against as the case progresses.
“These reforms mark a landmark moment for the legal system in Oklahoma, and we commend The State Chamber of Oklahoma for its leadership,” said Stephen Waguespack, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform. “These laws aren’t just wins for legal clarity. They’re wins for small businesses, job creators, and rural hospitals who ultimately bear the cost of an unpredictable and hostile legal environment.”
“Many states have enacted these common-sense reforms. Knowing who is behind a lawsuit, a reasonable cap on subjective non-economic damages, and a strong standard for expert testimony will restore fairness, reduce litigation abuse, and make Oklahoma’s legal climate more consistent,” said Maxey.
Media Contact: Brent Skarky – brent@okstatechamber.com, (405) 818-1939
