NFIB State Director Leah Long today applauded Gov. Jeff Landry for signing Senate Bill 231, legislation that brings more predictability to awards of past medical expenses in personal injury cases.

Under SB 231, plaintiffs can recover only the amount insurance companies pay rather than the amount doctors and hospitals billed. The measure, introduced by Sen. Mike Reese, helps small businesses by reducing the chances of big payouts based on inflated medical bills.

SB 231 s the last of four pieces of legislation that NFIB supported in this year’s regular session of the Louisiana Legislature to stop lawsuit abuse and reduce insurance costs for small businesses.

The other measures were:

• HB 431 by Rep. Emily Chenevert, which limits damage awards if the person suing is mostly at fault.
• HB 434 by Rep. Jason DeWitt, which adds a “no pay, no play” rule with a $100,000 cap for uninsured drivers.
• HB 450 by Rep. Michael Melerine, which ends a rule that assumed all injuries were caused by an accident, even without proof.

“Today’s signing shows once again that Governor Landry and legislative leaders understand the vital role small businesses play in Louisiana’s economy,” Long said. “By reducing insurance premiums and addressing the threat of lawsuit abuse, they are helping create an environment that enables small businesses not only to succeed but continue to grow and create jobs.”