West Virginia Senate Passes Comparative Fault Reform

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Senate today passed HB 2002, a bill relating to setting the limits on fault when multiple defendants are involved.

If signed into law by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, this bill will require defendants to only pay for their share of damages, and not to be held liable for damages that were caused by others.

“Passing this bill is one more step toward placing West Virginia’s civil justice system in line with the rest of the nation,” President Cole said. “This is exactly the kind of reform that will advance our goal of making West Virginia the kind of place that welcomes job creation, not discourages it.

“This move ensures the person who is responsible pays their fair share of the damages they cause,” President Cole said. “It’s common sense, and it’s a critical move to ensure our court system operates under principles of basic fairness.”

Final legislation will be sent to the Governor for his consideration by the end of the week.

Contact: Senate President Bill Cole at (304) 357-7801