If someone else’s actions cause you harm, you may expect compensation for lost income or medical bills. But what about harder-to-define losses, like emotional distress or pain? In Idaho, there’s a specific limit on how much compensation you can receive for these non-economic damages.
Understanding non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that aren’t tied to a specific dollar amount. These include physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life. They differ from economic damages, which include lost wages or hospital expenses. Idaho law imposes a cap on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases to prevent unpredictable or excessive awards.
What is the damage cap in Idaho?
Currently, Idaho limits non-economic damages to $250,000. However, this figure adjusts annually based on changes in the average state wage, as determined by the Idaho Industrial Commission. Because of this, the actual limit varies each year. The cap applies in most situations unless the defendant acted with willful or reckless disregard for others.
Why does Idaho limit these damages?
State lawmakers argue that damage caps help keep insurance premiums stable and reduce the frequency of large, unpredictable verdicts. Limiting non-economic damages may also encourage faster resolutions and prevent inflated claims based on emotional harm. The cap is intended to bring balance and consistency to the legal process.
If you plan to pursue damages for emotional harm or pain, the cap could reduce your final award. Even if a jury grants a larger amount, the court may reduce it to comply with the legal limit. Being aware of this restriction helps you manage your expectations and better understand how Idaho law impacts personal injury claims.