Bill To Curb Lawsuits Surfaced

Wednesday, May 23rd 2007, 5:09 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Republican leaders in the Oklahoma Legislature are backing a new bill to change the state's civil justice system along lines suggested by business and medical groups.

There are only two days to go before the Legislature must adjourn.

Governor Brad Henry vetoed an earlier bill. He said it was unconstitutional and thwarted the ability of citizens to seek justice through the court system.

The original bill contained a $300,000 cap on noneconomic damages, commonly referred to as pain-and-suffering wards.

That cap was raised to $350,000he new plan and the bill allows for such awards as high as $750,000 in some cases.