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Damage Caps in Texas Injury Cases

Texas does not cap economic or noneconomic damages in ordinary personal injury or auto cases — those are uncapped. Caps apply in two main areas: medical malpractice (noneconomic damages limited to $250,000 per provider and up to $500,000 against institutions) and exemplary (punitive) damages (the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus noneconomic up to $750,000).

Last reviewed: June 5, 2026

Texas caps damages narrowly. Most injury cases have no ceiling at all; the limits are reserved for malpractice and punishment awards.

Ordinary injury cases: no cap

In a standard personal injury or auto case, neither economic damages (medical bills, lost earnings) nor noneconomic damages (pain, disfigurement, mental anguish) are capped.

Medical malpractice

Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 74.301, noneconomic damages are capped at $250,000 per provider, $250,000 per institution, with a $500,000 maximum total against institutions — a theoretical noneconomic ceiling of $750,000. Economic damages are not capped.

Exemplary (punitive) damages

Chapter 41 caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus noneconomic damages up to $750,000. Punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice, or gross negligence, and the cap is lifted for certain felony conduct.

Which caps apply — and how to maximize the uncapped economic component — is case-specific. A Texas injury lawyer values the claim against the right limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cap on damages in a Texas car accident case?
No. Ordinary personal injury and auto cases have no cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or noneconomic damages (pain and suffering). Caps apply mainly to medical malpractice and punitive damages.
What is the punitive damages cap in Texas?
Under Chapter 41, exemplary damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus noneconomic damages up to $750,000. The cap does not apply to certain felony conduct such as murder or aggravated assault.

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