Oregon Public Broadcasting

Government agencies could end up paying more money when they lose a lawsuit under a bill that won approval from the Oregon Senate Monday.

The measure applies to lawsuits over government negligence. The current liability limit is $200,000.  But the Oregon Supreme Court has said that’s too low.

The ruling came after a family sued Oregon Health and Science University over a botched surgery on a child that resulted in permanent brain damage.  

Democratic Senator Vicki Walker of Eugene says raising liability limits is about fairness.

Vicki Walker: “This bill is the right way to rectify a wrong that has been in statute for a long period of time.”

The bill would raise the liability limit for government agencies to $1.5  million.  The legislation does not affect lawsuits against private companies and individuals.  It now moves to the Oregon House.

Online:

Oregon Senate Bill 311