If you were injured in a collision in Texas, recent changes passed by the 89th Legislature may affect your ability to recover compensation. One of the most impactful changes is Texas Senate Bill 30, often called SB 30. This law changes how medical damages are presented and calculated in personal injury cases.
Below is a clear breakdown of what SB 30 is, why it was passed, and how it can affect your claim.
What Is Senate Bill 30
SB 30 changes how medical expenses are evaluated in Texas personal injury cases. The law limits which medical costs can be shown to a jury and recovered in a lawsuit.
Before SB 30, injured Texans could present the full amount charged by medical providers. Under the new law, juries generally see the amounts actually paid rather than the higher billed amounts that often appear on medical statements.
This shift narrows how medical damages are calculated and presented in court.
Why SB 30 Was Passed
Supporters of SB 30 argued that medical bills often list inflated charges that do not reflect real payment amounts. They claimed juries were seeing numbers that did not match real world costs.
Opponents argued the law makes it harder for injured people to recover fair compensation, especially those without health insurance who rely on letters of protection while their case is pending.
Regardless of the debate, SB 30 is now Texas law and it directly affects injury claims moving forward.
How SB 30 Changes Injury Claims
SB 30 changes how damages are proven in court. Under the law:
- Juries usually see what was paid, not what was billed
- Certain unpaid or adjusted charges may not be recoverable
- Defense attorneys can challenge medical cost evidence more aggressively
These limits can reduce the value of medical damages even when treatment was necessary.
Because of these restrictions, documentation matters more than ever. Missing records, unclear billing, or treatment gaps can weaken a claim.
Insurance companies may also feel encouraged to make lower settlement offers, which can pressure injured Texans to accept less than their case deserves.
What Senate Bill 30 Does Not Change
SB 30 does not:
- Eliminate pain and suffering damages
- Prevent recovery of lost wages
- Excuse negligent or reckless conduct
- Take away your right to a jury trial
Your case is still about accountability and SB 30 only changes how one category of damages is calculated.
Practical Takeaways
If you were injured after SB 30 went into effect, protect your claim by taking these steps:
- Seek medical care as soon as possible
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills
- Do not assume your case is too small
- Speak with a lawyer early
SB 30 shifts leverage toward insurance companies that already know how to use these rules. Preparation and documentation now matter more than ever.
At The Johnson Law Firm, we stay current on changes like SB 30 so our clients do not have to. We build detailed cases that reflect the real impact an injury has on your life.
If you were injured and are unsure how SB 30 affects your rights, contact The Johnson Law Firm. We explain how the law applies to your situation and help you pursue fair compensation.
Click for Mick today. Your case is our priority.
