MS HB548

Establishes a definition of "catastrophic injury or illness" including spinal cord injuries with severe paralysis, amputations, severe brain injuries, burns affecting 25% or more of body surface, blindness, internal organ damage, and conditions qualifying for federal disability benefits.

Caps noneconomic damages in health care malpractice cases at $500,000, effective September 1, 2004.

Caps noneconomic damages in all other civil actions at $1,000,000, effective September 1, 2004.

Establishes a new $3,000,000 cap on noneconomic damages for civil actions involving catastrophic injury, illness, or death that are pending or filed on or after January 1, 2025.

Requires judges to reduce any noneconomic damages awards exceeding applicable caps without informing the jury of the limitations.