OH HB518

Removes the cap on noneconomic damages in tort actions brought by victims of rape, felonious assault, aggravated assault, assault, or negligent assault.

Maintains existing damage caps for other tort actions: the greater of $250,000 or three times economic loss, up to a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence.

Exempts from the cap victims with permanent physical deformity, loss of limb, loss of bodily organ system, or permanent functional injury preventing self-care.

Prohibits juries from being informed of damage limitations and prevents consideration of defendant's wealth, misconduct, or evidence intended to punish rather than compensate.

Does not apply to actions against the state, political subdivisions, or wrongful death actions; includes a severability clause if damage limits are ruled unconstitutional.