US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

Chapter 31 — Tort Actions

 

2007 EDITION

 

TORT ACTIONS

 

SPECIAL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS

 

SPECIAL MOTION TO STRIKE

 

31.150       Special motion to strike; when available; burden of proof

 

31.152       Time for filing special motion to strike; discovery; attorney fees

 

31.155       Exempt actions; substantive law not affected

 

DEFENSES GENERALLY

 

31.180       Certain felonious conduct of plaintiff complete defense in tort actions; proof; exceptions

 

RULES GOVERNING PARTICULAR CLAIMS FOR RELIEF

 

(Defamation)

 

31.200       Liability of radio or television station personnel for defamation

 

31.205       Damages recoverable for defamation by radio, television, motion pictures, newspaper or printed periodical

 

31.210       When general damages allowed

 

31.215       Publication of correction or retraction upon demand

 

31.220       Effect of publication of correction or retraction prior to demand

 

31.225       Publisher’s defenses and privileges not affected

 

(Wrongful Use of Civil Proceeding)

 

31.230       Wrongful use of civil proceeding; pleading; procedure

 

(Actions Against Health Practitioners and Health Care Facilities)

 

31.250       Mandatory dispute resolution for certain actions against health practitioners and health care facilities

 

(Actions Against Construction Design Professionals)

 

31.300       Pleading requirements for actions against construction design professionals

 

(Actions Against Real Estate Licensees)

 

31.350       Pleading requirements for actions against real estate licensees

 

(Actions Arising From Injuries Caused by Dogs)

 

31.360       Proof required for claim of economic damages in action arising from injury caused by dog

 

ADVANCE PAYMENTS

 

31.550       “Advance payment” defined

 

31.555       Effect of advance payment; payment as satisfaction of judgment

 

31.560       Advance payment for death or personal injury not admission of liability; when advance payment made

 

31.565       Advance payment for property damage not admission of liability

 

COLLATERAL BENEFITS

 

31.580       Effect of collateral benefits

 

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE

 

31.600       Contributory negligence not bar to recovery; comparative negligence standard; third party complaints

 

31.605       Special questions to trier of fact; jury not to be informed of settlement

 

31.610       Liability of defendants several only; determination of defendants’ shares of monetary obligation; reallocation of uncollectible obligation; parties exempt from reallocation

 

31.615       Setoff of damages not allowed

 

31.620       Doctrines of last clear chance and implied assumption of risk abolished

 

DAMAGES

 

(Economic Damages)

 

31.700       Right to include medical expenses paid by parent or conservator in action to recover for damages to child; effect of consent to inclusion

 

(Verdict Form)

 

31.705       Economic and noneconomic damages separately set forth in verdict

 

(Noneconomic Damages)

 

31.710       Noneconomic damages; award; limit; “economic damages” and “noneconomic damages” defined

 

31.715       Limitation on recovery of noneconomic damages arising out of operation of motor vehicle; uninsured plaintiff; plaintiff driving under influence of intoxicants

 

(Punitive Damages)

 

31.725       Pleading punitive damages; motion to amend pleading to assert claim for punitive damages; hearing

 

31.730       Standards for award of punitive damages; required review of award by court; additional reduction of award for remedial measures

 

31.735       Distribution of punitive damages; notice to Department of Justice; order of application

 

31.740       When award of punitive damages against health practitioner prohibited

 

(Mitigation of Damages)

 

31.760       Evidence of nonuse of safety belt or harness to mitigate damages

 

CONTRIBUTION

 

31.800       Right of contribution among joint tortfeasors; limitations; subrogation of insurer; effect on indemnity right

 

31.805       Basis for proportional shares of tortfeasors

 

31.810       Enforcement of right of contribution; commencement of separate action; barring right of contribution; effect of satisfaction of judgment

 

31.815       Covenant not to sue; effect; notice

 

31.820       Severability

 

ASSIGNMENT OF CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST INSURER

 

31.825       Assignment of cause of action against insurer

 

ABOLISHED COMMON LAW ACTIONS

 

31.980       Action for alienation of affections abolished

 

31.982       Action for criminal conversation abolished

 

      31.010 [Repealed by 1981 c.898 §53]

 

      31.020 [Repealed by 1981 c.898 §53]

 

      31.030 [Repealed by 1981 c.898 §53]

 

      31.040 [Repealed by 1981 c.898 §53]

 

      31.050 [Renumbered 652.500]

 

SPECIAL MOTION TO STRIKE

 

      31.150 Special motion to strike; when available; burden of proof. (1) A defendant may make a special motion to strike against a claim in a civil action described in subsection (2) of this section. The court shall grant the motion unless the plaintiff establishes in the manner provided by subsection (3) of this section that there is a probability that the plaintiff will prevail on the claim. The special motion to strike shall be treated as a motion to dismiss under ORCP 21 A but shall not be subject to ORCP 21 F. Upon granting the special motion to strike, the court shall enter a judgment of dismissal without prejudice.

      (2) A special motion to strike may be made under this section against any claim in a civil action that arises out of:

      (a) Any oral statement made, or written statement or other document submitted, in a legislative, executive or judicial proceeding or other proceeding authorized by law;

      (b) Any oral statement made, or written statement or other document submitted, in connection with an issue under consideration or review by a legislative, executive or judicial body or other proceeding authorized by law;

      (c) Any oral statement made, or written statement or other document presented, in a place open to the public or a public forum in connection with an issue of public interest; or

      (d) Any other conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the constitutional right of petition or the constitutional right of free speech in connection with a public issue or an issue of public interest.

      (3) A defendant making a special motion to strike under the provisions of this section has the initial burden of making a prima facie showing that the claim against which the motion is made arises out of a statement, document or conduct described in subsection (2) of this section. If the defendant meets this burden, the burden shifts to the plaintiff in the action to establish that there is a probability that the plaintiff will prevail on the claim by presenting substantial evidence to support a prima facie case. If the plaintiff meets this burden, the court shall deny the motion.

      (4) In making a determination under subsection (1) of this section, the court shall consider pleadings and supporting and opposing affidavits stating the facts upon which the liability or defense is based.

      (5) If the court determines that the plaintiff has established a probability that the plaintiff will prevail on the claim:

      (a) The fact that the determination has been made and the substance of the determination may not be admitted in evidence at any later stage of the case; and

      (b) The determination does not affect the burden of proof or standard of proof that is applied in the proceeding. [Formerly 30.142]

 

      31.152 Time for filing special motion to strike; discovery; attorney fees. (1) A special motion to strike under ORS 31.150 must be filed within 60 days after the service of the complaint or, in the court’s discretion, at any later time. A hearing shall be held on the motion not more than 30 days after the filing of the motion unless the docket conditions of the court require a later hearing.

      (2) All discovery in the proceeding shall be stayed upon the filing of a special motion to strike under ORS 31.150. The stay of discovery shall remain in effect until entry of the order ruling on the motion. The court, on motion and for good cause shown, may order that specified discovery be conducted notwithstanding the stay imposed by this subsection.

      (3) A defendant who prevails on a special motion to strike made under ORS 31.150 shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs. If the court finds that a special motion to strike is frivolous or is solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, the court shall award costs and reasonable attorney fees to a plaintiff who prevails on a special motion to strike. [Formerly 30.144]

 

      31.155 Exempt actions; substantive law not affected. (1) ORS 31.150 and 31.152 do not apply to an action brought by the Attorney General, a district attorney, a county counsel or a city attorney acting in an official capacity.

      (2) ORS 31.150 and 31.152 create a procedure for seeking dismissal of claims described in ORS 31.150 (2) and do not affect the substantive law governing those claims. [Formerly 30.146]

 

DEFENSES GENERALLY

 

      31.180 Certain felonious conduct of plaintiff complete defense in tort actions; proof; exceptions. (1) It is a complete defense in any civil action for personal injury or wrongful death that:

      (a) The person damaged was engaged in conduct at the time that would constitute aggravated murder, murder or a Class A or a Class B felony; and

      (b) The felonious conduct was a substantial factor contributing to the injury or death.

      (2) To establish the defense described in this section, the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence the fact that the person damaged was engaged in conduct that would constitute aggravated murder, murder or a Class A or a Class B felony.

      (3) Nothing in this section affects any right of action under 42 U.S.C. 1983.

      (4) The defense established by this section is not available if the injury or death resulted from a springgun or other device described in ORS 166.320 and the plaintiff establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the use of the springgun or other device constituted a violation of ORS 166.320.

      (5) The defense established by this section is not available if the injury or death resulted from the use of physical force that was not justifiable under the standards established by ORS 161.195 to 161.275. [Formerly 30.698]

 

RULES GOVERNING PARTICULAR CLAIMS FOR RELIEF

 

(Defamation)

 

      31.200 Liability of radio or television station personnel for defamation. (1) The owner, licensee or operator of a radio or television broadcasting station, and the agents or employees of the owner, licensee or operator, shall not be liable for any damages for any defamatory statement published or uttered in a radio or television broadcast, by one other than the owner, licensee or operator, or agent or employee thereof, unless it is alleged and proved by the complaining party that the owner, licensee, operator, agent or employee failed to exercise due care to prevent the publication or utterance of such statement in such broadcast.

      (2) In no event shall any owner, licensee or operator of a radio or television broadcasting station, or any agent or employee thereof, be liable for any damages for any defamatory statement published or uttered by one other than such owner, licensee, operator, agent or employee, in or as part of a radio or television broadcast by any candidate for public office, which broadcast cannot be censored by reason of federal statute or regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. [Formerly 30.150]

 

      31.205 Damages recoverable for defamation by radio, television, motion pictures, newspaper or printed periodical. Except as provided in ORS 31.210, in an action for damages on account of a defamatory statement published or broadcast in a newspaper, magazine, other printed periodical, or by radio, television or motion pictures, the plaintiff may recover any general and special damages which, by competent evidence, the plaintiff can prove to have suffered as a direct and proximate result of the publication of the defamatory statement. [Formerly 30.155]

 

      31.210 When general damages allowed. (1) In an action for damages on account of a defamatory statement published or broadcast in a newspaper, magazine, other printed periodical, or by radio, television or motion pictures, the plaintiff shall not recover general damages unless:

      (a) A correction or retraction is demanded but not published as provided in ORS 31.215; or

      (b) The plaintiff proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant actually intended to defame the plaintiff.

      (2) Where the plaintiff is entitled to recover general damages, the publication of a correction or retraction may be considered in mitigation of damages. [Formerly 30.160]

 

      31.215 Publication of correction or retraction upon demand. (1) The demand for correction or retraction shall be in writing, signed by the defamed person or the attorney of the person and be delivered to the publisher of the defamatory statement, either personally, by registered mail or by certified mail with return receipt at the publisher’s place of business or residence within 20 days after the defamed person receives actual knowledge of the defamatory statement. The demand shall specify which statements are false and defamatory and request that they be corrected or retracted. The demand may also refer to the sources from which the true facts may be ascertained with accuracy.

      (2) The publisher of the defamatory statement shall have not more than two weeks after receipt of the demand for correction or retraction in which to investigate the demand; and, after making such investigation, the publisher shall publish the correction or retraction in:

      (a) The first issue thereafter published, in the case of newspapers, magazines or other printed periodicals.

      (b) The first broadcast or telecast thereafter made, in the case of radio or television stations.

      (c) The first public exhibition thereafter made, in the case of motion picture theaters.

      (3) The correction or retraction shall consist of a statement by the publisher substantially to the effect that the defamatory statements previously made are not factually supported and that the publisher regrets the original publication thereof.

      (4) The correction or retraction shall be published in substantially as conspicuous a manner as the defamatory statement. [Formerly 30.165]

 

      31.220 Effect of publication of correction or retraction prior to demand. A correction or retraction published prior to notice of demand therefor shall have the same effect as a correction or retraction after demand, if the requirements of ORS 31.215 (2), (3) and (4) are substantially complied with. [Formerly 30.170]

 

      31.225 Publisher’s defenses and privileges not affected. Nothing in ORS 31.205 to 31.220 shall be deemed to affect any defense or privilege which the publisher may possess by virtue of existing law. [Formerly 30.175]

(Wrongful Use of Civil Proceeding)

 

      31.230 Wrongful use of civil proceeding; pleading; procedure. (1) In order to bring a claim for wrongful use of a civil proceeding against another, a person shall not be required to plead or prove special injury beyond the expense and other consequences normally associated with defending against unfounded legal claims.

      (2) The filing of a civil action within 60 days of the running of the statute of limitations for the purpose of preserving and evaluating the claim when the action is dismissed within 120 days after the date of filing shall not constitute grounds for a claim for wrongful use of a civil proceeding under subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) A claim for damages for wrongful use of a civil proceeding shall be brought in an original action after the proceeding which is the subject matter of the claim is concluded. [Formerly 30.895]

(Actions Against Health Practitioners and Health Care Facilities)

 

      31.250 Mandatory dispute resolution for certain actions against health practitioners and health care facilities. (1) In any action described in subsection (5) of this section, all parties to the action and their attorneys must participate in some form of dispute resolution within 270 days after the action is filed unless:

      (a) The action is settled or otherwise resolved within 270 days after the action is filed; or

      (b) All parties to the action agree in writing to waive dispute resolution under this section.

      (2) Dispute resolution under this section may consist of arbitration, mediation or a judicial settlement conference.

      (3) Within 270 days after filing an action described in subsection (5) of this section, the parties or their attorneys must file a certificate indicating that the parties and attorneys have complied with the requirements of this section.

      (4) The court may impose appropriate sanctions against any party or attorney who:

      (a) Fails to attend an arbitration hearing, mediation session or judicial settlement conference conducted for the purposes of the requirements of this section;

      (b) Fails to act in good faith in any arbitration, mediation or judicial settlement conference conducted for the purposes of the requirements of this section;

      (c) Fails to timely submit any documents required for an arbitration, mediation or judicial settlement conference conducted for the purposes of the requirements of this section; or

      (d) Fails to have a person with authority to approve a resolution of the action available at the time of any arbitration hearing, mediation session or judicial settlement conference conducted for the purposes of the requirements of this section, unless the party or attorney receives from the court, before the hearing, session or conference commences, an exemption from the requirements of this paragraph.

      (5) The provisions of this section apply to any action in which a claim for damages is made against a health practitioner, as described in ORS 31.740, or against a health care facility, as defined in ORS 442.015, based on negligence, unauthorized rendering of health care or product liability under ORS 30.900 to 30.920. [2003 c.598 §54]

 

(Actions Against Construction Design Professionals)

 

      31.300 Pleading requirements for actions against construction design professionals. (1) As used in this section, “construction design professional” means an architect, registered landscape architect, professional engineer or professional land surveyor.

      (2) A complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint asserting a claim against a construction design professional that arises out of the provision of services within the course and scope of the activities for which the person is licensed may not be filed unless the claimant’s attorney certifies that the attorney has consulted a licensed construction design professional who is qualified, available and willing to testify to admissible facts and opinions sufficient to create a question of fact as to the liability of the construction design professional. The certification required by this section must be filed with or be made part of the original complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint. The certification must contain a statement that a licensed construction design professional who is qualified to testify as to the standard of care applicable to the alleged facts, is available and willing to testify that:

      (a) The alleged conduct of the construction design professional failed to meet the standard of professional care applicable to the construction design professional in the circumstances alleged; and

      (b) The alleged conduct was a cause of the claimed damages, losses or other harm.

      (3) In lieu of providing the certification described in subsection (2) of this section, the claimant’s attorney may file with the court at the time of filing a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint an affidavit that states:

      (a) The applicable statute of limitations is about to expire;

      (b) The certification required under subsection (2) of this section will be filed within 30 days after filing the complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint or such longer time as the court may allow for good cause shown; and

      (c) The attorney has made such inquiry as is reasonable under the circumstances and has made a good faith attempt to consult with at least one licensed construction design professional who is qualified to testify as to the standard of care applicable to the alleged facts, as required by subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) Upon motion of the construction design professional, the court shall enter judgment dismissing any complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint against any construction design professional that fails to comply with the requirements of this section.

      (5) This section applies only to a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint against a construction design professional by any plaintiff who:

      (a) Is a construction design professional, contractor, subcontractor or other person providing labor, materials or services for the real property improvement that is the subject of the claim;

      (b) Is the owner, lessor, lessee, renter or occupier of the real property improvement that is the subject of the claim;

      (c) Is involved in the operation or management of the real property improvement that is the subject of the claim;

      (d) Has contracted with or otherwise employed the construction design professional; or

      (e) Is a person for whose benefit the construction design professional performed services. [2003 c.418 §1]

 

(Actions Against Real Estate Licensees)

 

      31.350 Pleading requirements for actions against real estate licensees. (1) As used in this section, “real estate licensee” has the meaning given that term in ORS 696.010.

      (2) A complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint asserting a claim of professional negligence against a real estate licensee for conduct occurring within the course and scope of the professional real estate activity for which the individual is licensed may not be filed unless the claimant’s attorney certifies that the attorney has consulted a real estate licensee who is qualified, available and willing to testify to admissible facts and opinions sufficient to create a question of fact as to the liability of the real estate licensee. The certification required by this section must be filed with or be made part of the original complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint. The certification must contain a statement that a real estate licensee who is qualified to testify as to the standard of care applicable to the alleged facts, is available and willing to testify that:

      (a) The alleged conduct of the real estate licensee failed to meet the standard of professional care applicable to the real estate licensee in the circumstances alleged; and

      (b) The alleged conduct was a cause of the claimed damages, losses or other harm.

      (3) In lieu of providing the certification described in subsection (2) of this section, the claimant’s attorney may file with the court at the time of filing a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint an affidavit that states:

      (a) The applicable statute of limitations is about to expire;

      (b) The certification required under subsection (2) of this section will be filed within 30 days after filing the complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint or such longer time as the court may allow for good cause shown; and

      (c) The attorney has made such inquiry as is reasonable under the circumstances and has made a good faith attempt to consult with at least one real estate licensee who is qualified to testify as to the standard of care applicable to the alleged facts, as required by subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) Upon motion of the real estate licensee, the court shall enter judgment dismissing any complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint against any real estate licensee who fails to comply with the requirements of this section.

      (5) This section applies only to a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party complaint against a real estate licensee by any plaintiff who:

      (a) Has contracted with or otherwise employed the real estate licensee; or

      (b) Is a person for whose benefit the real estate licensee performed services. [2005 c.277 §1; 2007 c.319 §25]

 

(Actions Arising From Injuries Caused by Dogs)

 

      31.360 Proof required for claim of economic damages in action arising from injury caused by dog. (1) For the purpose of establishing a claim for economic damages, as defined in ORS 31.710, in an action arising from an injury caused by a dog:

      (a) The plaintiff need not prove that the owner of the dog could foresee that the dog would cause the injury; and

      (b) The owner of the dog may not assert as a defense that the owner could not foresee that the dog would cause the injury.

      (2) This section does not prevent the owner of a dog that caused an injury from asserting that the dog was provoked, or from asserting any other defense that may be available to the owner.

      (3) This section does not affect the requirements for an award of punitive damages provided in ORS 31.730 (1). [2007 c.402 §1]

 

ADVANCE PAYMENTS

 

      31.550 “Advance payment” defined. As used in ORS 12.155 and 31.550 to 31.565, “advance payment” means compensation for the injury or death of a person or the injury or destruction of property prior to the determination of legal liability therefor. [Formerly 18.500]

 

      31.555 Effect of advance payment; payment as satisfaction of judgment. (1) If judgment is entered against a party on whose behalf an advance payment referred to in ORS 31.560 or 31.565 has been made and in favor of a party for whose benefit any such advance payment has been received, the amount of the judgment shall be reduced by the amount of any such payments in the manner provided in subsection (3) of this section. However, nothing in ORS 12.155, 31.560 and 31.565 and this section authorizes the person making such payments to recover such advance payment if no damages are awarded or to recover any amount by which the advance payment exceeds the award of damages.

      (2) If judgment is entered against a party who is insured under a policy of liability insurance against such judgment and in favor of a party who has received benefits that have been the basis for a reimbursement payment by such insurer under ORS 742.534, the amount of the judgment shall be reduced by reason of such benefits in the manner provided in subsection (3) of this section.

      (3)(a) The amount of any advance payment referred to in subsection (1) of this section may be submitted by the party making the payment, in the manner provided in ORCP 68 C(4) for the submission of disbursements.

      (b) The amount of any benefits referred to in subsection (2) of this section, diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the party in favor of whom the judgment was entered and diminished to an amount no greater than the reimbursement payment made by the insurer under ORS 742.534, may be submitted by the insurer which has made the reimbursement payment, in the manner provided in ORCP 68 C(4) for the submission of disbursements.

      (c) Unless timely objections are filed as provided in ORCP 68 C(4), the court clerk shall apply the amounts claimed pursuant to this subsection in partial satisfaction of the judgment. Such partial satisfaction shall be allowed without regard to whether the party claiming the reduction is otherwise entitled to costs and disbursements in the action. [Formerly 18.510]

 

      31.560 Advance payment for death or personal injury not admission of liability; when advance payment made. (1) Advance payment made for damages arising from the death or injury of a person is not an admission of liability for the death or injury by the person making the payment unless the parties to the payment agree to the contrary in writing.

      (2) For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, advance payment is made when payment is made with or to:

      (a) The injured person;

      (b) A person acting on behalf of the injured person with the consent of the injured person; or

      (c) Any other person entitled to recover damages on account of the injury or death of the injured or deceased person. [Formerly 18.520]

 

      31.565 Advance payment for property damage not admission of liability. Any advance payment made for damages arising from injury or destruction of property is not an admission of liability for the injury or destruction by the person making the payment unless the parties to the payment agree to the contrary in writing. [Formerly 18.530]

 

COLLATERAL BENEFITS

 

      31.580 Effect of collateral benefits. (1) In a civil action, when a party is awarded damages for bodily injury or death of a person which are to be paid by another party to the action, and the party awarded damages or person injured or deceased received benefits for the injury or death other than from the party who is to pay the damages, the court may deduct from the amount of damages awarded, before the entry of a judgment, the total amount of those collateral benefits other than:

      (a) Benefits which the party awarded damages, the person injured or that person’s estate is obligated to repay;

      (b) Life insurance or other death benefits;

      (c) Insurance benefits for which the person injured or deceased or members of that person’s family paid premiums; and

      (d) Retirement, disability and pension plan benefits, and federal Social Security benefits.

      (2) Evidence of the benefit described in subsection (1) of this section and the cost of obtaining it is not admissible at trial, but shall be received by the court by affidavit submitted after the verdict by any party to the action. [Formerly 18.580]

 

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE

 

      31.600 Contributory negligence not bar to recovery; comparative negligence standard; third party complaints. (1) Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action by any person or the legal representative of the person to recover damages for death or injury to person or property if the fault attributable to the claimant was not greater than the combined fault of all persons specified in subsection (2) of this section, but any damages allowed shall be diminished in the proportion to the percentage of fault attributable to the claimant. This section is not intended to create or abolish any defense.

      (2) The trier of fact shall compare the fault of the claimant with the fault of any party against whom recovery is sought, the fault of third party defendants who are liable in tort to the claimant, and the fault of any person with whom the claimant has settled. The failure of a claimant to make a direct claim against a third party defendant does not affect the requirement that the fault of the third party defendant be considered by the trier of fact under this subsection. Except for persons who have settled with the claimant, there shall be no comparison of fault with any person:

      (a) Who is immune from liability to the claimant;

      (b) Who is not subject to the jurisdiction of the court; or

      (c) Who is not subject to action because the claim is barred by a statute of limitation or statute of ultimate repose.

      (3) A defendant who files a third party complaint against a person alleged to be at fault in the matter, or who alleges that a person who has settled with the claimant is at fault in the matter, has the burden of proof in establishing:

      (a) The fault of the third party defendant or the fault of the person who settled with the claimant; and

      (b) That the fault of the third party defendant or the person who settled with the claimant was a contributing cause to the injury or death under the law applicable in the matter.

      (4) Any party to an action may seek to establish that the fault of a person should not be considered by the trier of fact by reason that the person does not meet the criteria established by subsection (2) of this section for the consideration of fault by the trier of fact.

      (5) This section does not prevent a party from alleging that the party was not at fault in the matter because the injury or death was the sole and exclusive fault of a person who is not a party in the matter. [Formerly 18.470]

 

      31.605 Special questions to trier of fact; jury not to be informed of settlement. (1) When requested by any party the trier of fact shall answer special questions indicating:

      (a) The amount of damages to which a party seeking recovery would be entitled, assuming that party not to be at fault.

      (b) The degree of fault of each person specified in ORS 31.600 (2). The degree of each person’s fault so determined shall be expressed as a percentage of the total fault attributable to all persons considered by the trier of fact pursuant to ORS 31.600.

      (2) A jury shall be informed of the legal effect of its answer to the questions listed in subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) The jury shall not be informed of any settlement made by the claimant for damages arising out of the injury or death that is the subject of the action.

      (4) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the court may order that two or more persons be considered a single person for the purpose of determining the degree of fault of the persons specified in ORS 31.600 (2). [Formerly 18.480]

 

      31.610 Liability of defendants several only; determination of defendants’ shares of monetary obligation; reallocation of uncollectible obligation; parties exempt from reallocation. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, in any civil action arising out of bodily injury, death or property damage, including claims for emotional injury or distress, loss of care, comfort, companionship and society, and loss of consortium, the liability of each defendant for damages awarded to plaintiff shall be several only and shall not be joint.

      (2) In any action described in subsection (1) of this section, the court shall determine the award of damages to each claimant in accordance with the percentages of fault determined by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605 and shall enter judgment against each party determined to be liable. The court shall enter a judgment in favor of the plaintiff against any third party defendant who is found to be liable in any degree, even if the plaintiff did not make a direct claim against the third party defendant. The several liability of each defendant and third party defendant shall be set out separately in the judgment, based on the percentages of fault determined by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605. The court shall calculate and state in the judgment a monetary amount reflecting the share of the obligation of each person specified in ORS 31.600 (2). Each person’s share of the obligation shall be equal to the total amount of the damages found by the trier of fact, with no reduction for amounts paid in settlement of the claim or by way of contribution, multiplied by the percentage of fault determined for the person by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605.

      (3) Upon motion made not later than one year after judgment has become final by lapse of time for appeal or after appellate review, the court shall determine whether all or part of a party’s share of the obligation determined under subsection (2) of this section is uncollectible. If the court determines that all or part of any party’s share of the obligation is uncollectible, the court shall reallocate any uncollectible share among the other parties. The reallocation shall be made on the basis of each party’s respective percentage of fault determined by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605. The claimant’s share of the reallocation shall be based on any percentage of fault determined to be attributable to the claimant by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605, plus any percentage of fault attributable to a person who has settled with the claimant. Reallocation of obligations under this subsection does not affect any right to contribution from the party whose share of the obligation is determined to be uncollectible. Unless the party has entered into a covenant not to sue or not to enforce a judgment with the claimant, reallocation under this subsection does not affect continuing liability on the judgment to the claimant by the party whose share of the obligation is determined to be uncollectible.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, a party’s share of the obligation to a claimant may not be increased by reason of reallocation under subsection (3) of this section if:

      (a) The percentage of fault of the claimant is equal to or greater than the percentage of fault of the party as determined by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605; or

      (b) The percentage of fault of the party is 25 percent or less as determined by the trier of fact under ORS 31.605.

      (5) If any party’s share of the obligation to a claimant is not increased by reason of the application of subsection (4) of this section, the amount of that party’s share of the reallocation shall be considered uncollectible and shall be reallocated among all other parties who are not subject to subsection (4) of this section, including the claimant, in the same manner as otherwise provided for reallocation under subsection (3) of this section.

      (6) This section does not apply to:

      (a) A civil action resulting from the violation of a standard established by Oregon or federal statute, rule or regulation for the spill, release or disposal of any hazardous waste, as defined in ORS 466.005, hazardous substance, as defined in ORS 453.005 or radioactive waste, as defined in ORS 469.300.

      (b) A civil action resulting from the violation of Oregon or federal standards for air pollution, as defined in ORS 468A.005 or water pollution, as defined in ORS 468B.005. [Formerly 18.485]

 

      31.615 Setoff of damages not allowed. Setoff of damages shall not be granted in actions subject to ORS 31.600 to 31.620. [Formerly 18.490]

 

      31.620 Doctrines of last clear chance and implied assumption of risk abolished. (1) The doctrine of last clear chance is abolished.

      (2) The doctrine of implied assumption of the risk is abolished. [Formerly 18.475]

 

DAMAGES

 

(Economic Damages)

 

      31.700 Right to include medical expenses paid by parent or conservator in action to recover for damages to child; effect of consent to inclusion. (1) When the guardian ad litem of a child maintains a cause of action for recovery of damages to the child caused by a wrongful act, the parent, parents, or conservator of the estate of the child may file a consent accompanying the complaint of the guardian ad litem to include in the cause of action the damages as, in all the circumstances of the case, may be just, and will reasonably and fairly compensate for the doctor, hospital and medical expenses caused by the injury.

      (2) If the consent is filed as provided in subsection (1) of this section and the court allows the filing, no court shall entertain a cause of action by the parent, parents or conservator for doctor, hospital or medical expenses caused by the injury. [Formerly 30.810]

 

(Verdict Form)

 

      31.705 Economic and noneconomic damages separately set forth in verdict. A verdict shall set forth separately economic damages and noneconomic damages, if any, as defined in ORS 31.710. [Formerly 18.570]

 

(Noneconomic Damages)

 

      31.710 Noneconomic damages; award; limit; “economic damages” and “noneconomic damages” defined. (1) Except for claims subject to ORS 30.260 to 30.300 and ORS chapter 656, in any civil action seeking damages arising out of bodily injury, including emotional injury or distress, death or property damage of any one person including claims for loss of care, comfort, companionship and society and loss of consortium, the amount awarded for noneconomic damages shall not exceed $500,000.

      (2) As used in this section:

      (a) “Economic damages” means objectively verifiable monetary losses including but not limited to reasonable charges necessarily incurred for medical, hospital, nursing and rehabilitative services and other health care services, burial and memorial expenses, loss of income and past and future impairment of earning capacity, reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for substitute domestic services, recurring loss to an estate, damage to reputation that is economically verifiable, reasonable and necessarily incurred costs due to loss of use of property and reasonable costs incurred for repair or for replacement of damaged property, whichever is less.

      (b) “Noneconomic damages” means subjective, nonmonetary losses, including but not limited to pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, injury to reputation, loss of care, comfort, companionship and society, loss of consortium, inconvenience and interference with normal and usual activities apart from gainful employment.

      (3) This section does not apply to punitive damages.

      (4) The jury shall not be advised of the limitation set forth in this section. [Formerly 18.560]

 

      31.715 Limitation on recovery of noneconomic damages arising out of operation of motor vehicle; uninsured plaintiff; plaintiff driving under influence of intoxicants. (1) Except as provided in this section, a plaintiff may not recover noneconomic damages, as defined in ORS 31.710, in any action for injury or death arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle if the plaintiff was in violation of ORS 806.010 or 813.010 at the time the act or omission causing the death or injury occurred. A claim for noneconomic damages shall not be considered by the jury if the jury determines that the limitation on liability established by this section applies to the claim for noneconomic damages.

      (2) For the purpose of the limitation on liability established by this section, a person is conclusively presumed to have been in violation of ORS 806.010 or 813.010 if the person is convicted in a criminal proceeding of one or both of those offenses. If the person has not been convicted of violating ORS 806.010 or 813.010, the defendant in the civil action may establish in the civil action, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the plaintiff was in violation of ORS 806.010 or 813.010 at the time the act or omission causing the death or injury occurred.

      (3) The court shall abate a civil action upon the motion of any defendant in the civil action against whom a plaintiff has asserted a claim for noneconomic damages if the defendant alleges that the claim of the plaintiff is subject to the limitation on liability established by this section and:

      (a) A criminal proceeding for a violation of ORS 813.010 has been commenced against the plaintiff in the civil action at the time the motion is made; or

      (b) The district attorney for the county in which the conduct occurred informs the court at the time the motion is made that criminal proceedings for a violation of ORS 813.010 will be commenced against the plaintiff in the civil action.

      (4) The court may order that only the claim that is subject to the limitation on liability established by this section be abated under subsection (3) of this section. An abatement under subsection (3) of this section shall remain in effect until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

      (5) The limitation on liability established by this section does not apply if: