Insight

Oklahoma Finds Tort-Reform Statute Unconstitutional

The Beason family had a strong case, and the jury responded by awarding them a sizable payout. But, the court invoked a tort-reform statute that capped the family's winnings, much to the surprise of the jury.

Oklahoma Tort-Reform Unconstitutional Damages
TA

T. Luke Abel

August 1, 2019 12:00 AM

Earlier this summer in a case in which an Oklahoma man suffered extremely painful and deforming injuries, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a $350,000 statutory cap on noneconomic damages violated the state’s constitution. Beason v. I. E. Miller Servs., Inc., 2019 OK 28, 441 P.3d 1107. The Court found a tort-reform statute, 23 O.S. 2011 §61.2(B)-(F), an impermissible special law in violation of Oklahoma Const. art. 5, §46.

The Court reasoned that: “The failing of the statute is that it purports to limit recovery for pain and suffering in cases where the plaintiff survives the injury-causing event, while persons who die from the injury-causing event face no such limitation. See Okla.Const. art. 23, §7 (‘The right of action to recover damages for injuries resulting in death shall never be abrogated, and the amount recoverable shall not be subject to any statutory limitation…..’).” Id., ¶7.

By striking down this statute, employers in Oklahoma can now expect to be required to pay heavy damages when a third party or worker of a different employer is severy injured, as the Court concluded that: “By forbidding limits on recovery for injuries resulting in death, the people have left it to juries to determine the amount of compensation for pain and suffering in such cases, and no good reason exists for the Legislature to provide a different rule for the same detriment simply because the victim survives the harm-causing event. And the people have demonstrated their intent that the Legislature not discriminate in this way by expressly prohibiting the Legislature from enacting special laws.” Id., ¶10.

The statute discriminated against the most severely injured – those with devastating and enduring pain.

The Abel Law Firm of Oklahoma City represented Todd Beason and his wife Dara in the case. In March 2012, Todd, age 34, was working on a Texas oil rig when a boom from a crane fell and hit him on his left side, causing a brachial plexus injury in which nerves from his left arm and chest area were torn away from the spinal cord. An unsuccessful surgery to graft or transfer nerves led to two amputations of the left arm because the "dead weight" was further damaging Todd's shoulder. He now has prosthetics for his left arm.

He sued the crane operator’s employer in Oklahoma County District Court. After a 7-day trial in 2015, the jury awarded $9 million in economic and $5 million in noneconomic damages to Todd and $1 million to Dara. The trial judge applied 23 O.S. §61.2, finding since the jury did not find the defendant acted with reckless disregard, noneconomic damages were to be capped, bringing the total judgment to $9,700,000.

Over the objection of the plaintiffs, but pursuant to the statute, the jury was not informed of the consequences of their allocation of damages as economic and noneconomic. The jurors were both shocked and angry when they learned their evaluations were reduced.

The Beasons appealed the decision, and with the help of Robert S. Peck of the Center for Constitutional Litigation and Rex Travis, Paul Kouri and Simone Gosnell Fulmer of Oklahoma City for amicus curiae, Oklahoma Association for Justice, presented several arguments for the unconstitutionality of the law, including violation of the right to trial by jury, the prohibition of special verdicts, equal access to the courts, separation of powers, and special law. The defense was joined by the Oklahoma Attorney General and amici American Tort Reform Association, NFIB Small Business Legal Center, and Coalition for Litigation Justice, Inc.; Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel; Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; and Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America.

The Oklahoma Legislature, in limiting damages when the defendant’s conduct was not considered reckless, was conflating noneconomic damages with punitive damages. As defined in the statute, they include: “… damages for pain and suffering, loss of society, consortium, companionship, care, assistance, attention, protection, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, education, disfigurement, mental anguish and any other intangible loss …” 23 O.S. §61.2(H). Those are real losses to real people. The statute discriminated against the most severely injured – those with devastating and enduring pain.

The Beason Court stressed that the culpability of the tortfeasor is irrelevant to the pain and suffering inflicted: “…a collapsing brick wall can inflict bodily injuries on one person that result in death and bodily injuries on another person that do not result in death, and that the resulting pain and suffering in each case can be substantially the same. Pain and suffering do not vary depending upon the source of the collapse and do not care if the source of the collapse is the result of a tornado, an earthquake, a terrorist act, intentional conduct, negligent design, or strict-liability activity.” Id., ¶9.

The Beason Court reversed the judgment to the extent it modified and reduced the jury's verdict. The original judgment has now been amended to reflect the damages awarded by the jury plus prejudgment interest, costs, and post-judgment interest from the date of the original order. See, Hess v. Volkswagen Grp. of America Inc., 2017 OK CIV APP 35, ¶¶29-33, 398 P.3d 27, 37–38.

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Six Tips for a Successful Mediation


by Judge Michael E. Riley and Pullman & Comley

Mediation encourages open dialogue and allows parties to express their concerns, fostering a collaborative atmosphere to reach resolutions efficiently.

Two animated figures with puzzle piece speech bubbles

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

How a New Maryland Bike Safety Law Honors a Client’s Legacy


by Justin Smulison

Four-time Lawyer Of The Year Patrick Regan discusses how a client’s bicycling tragedy led to a result that improved Maryland traffic law to protect riders.

Group of lawyers posing for a photo

IN PARTNERSHIP

Factors That Affect the Value of Personal Injury Settlement in Louisiana


by John W. Redmann

Permanent injuries resulting from an accident can cause lasting physical or economic damage. Louisiana lawyer John W. Redmann dives into the settlement process.

Lawyer out of view holds pen over contract

IN PARTNERSHIP

California Car Accident: How To File a Personal Injury Claim


by Robert T. Simon

Several steps are involved in filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in California. Read this article to learn about your legal rights and options.

Two lawyers meet to go over legal case

IN PARTNERSHIP

Proving Negligence in a South Carolina Personal Injury Case


by Wyche

In South Carolina, as in other states, there are specific elements of negligence that must be established for a successful personal injury claim.

How to Prove Negligence in a South Carolina Personal Injury

IN PARTNERSHIP

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Kentucky?


by Jay Vaughn

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else's actions, depending on the state, personal injury claims could still be a viable legal option.

Hand holding a gavel strikes down bench with people in backdrop

IN PARTNERSHIP

Battle-Tested Dedication for Truck Wreck Victims


by The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Courtroom legend Frank L. Branson and his team give a voice to the voiceless, representing victims of catastrophic trucking and motor vehicle accidents.

Man in suit stands with hands on chair

The Role of Medical Experts in Catastrophic Injury Cases


by Timothy A. Loranger

When catastrophic injury is the result of an accident, medical experts can play a crucial role in the legal process, providing transparency for all involved.

Doctor and nurse discussing an X-ray scan

IN PARTNERSHIP

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer


by Joshua Michael Palmintier

The Palmintier Law Group sheds light on why it's crucial for individuals to hire legal representation when facing one of many different personal injury claims.

Hard hat on the floor with person in the background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Lawrenceville?


by Yari D. Lawson

If you or a loved one have suffered from a crash, here’s why hiring a car accident lawyer in Lawrenceville, GA, is a good idea to ensure you get compensation.

First responders assessing a car accident scene

IN PARTNERSHIP

Protecting Patients and the Public


by Justin Smulison

Lubin & Meyer completes its most successful year yet, charting new territory with a historic class action suit involving hundreds of patients in New England.

Group of lawyers seated and standing around a table

IN PARTNERSHIP

Ontario Personal Injury Claims: How Long Can Clients Expect to Wait?


by Salvatore Grillo

Personal injury lawyer Salvatore Grillo discusses types of personal injury claims and how long lawyers and clients can anticipate wait times for resolution.

Insurance forms and a pen with doctor in background

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident?


by Jamie S. Cogburn

Want to learn more about the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer? Contact J. Cogburn Law for a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.

Man at desk writing with two toy cars in front of him

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call