The Kansas Supreme Court is expected to rule at any time on a case that could dramatically change how noneconomic damages are awarded in personal injury cases.
Noneconomic damages typically are characterized as pain and suffering and are capped at $250,000. There is no cap, however, for actual damages, which are paid out for lost wages or future medical expenses.
If the noneconomic damages cap is lifted, it could mean more personal injury cases being filed, observers say. It also means businesses would have to take additional safeguards to ensure they are protected in personal injury cases.