Opinion ID: 1621757
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: whether immunity is waived to the extent of excess liability insurance carried by the defendant.

Text: ¶ 24. The Barneses argue that immunity in this case is waived to the extent of the excess liability insurance carried by Singing River. Section 11-46-17(4) of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act provides: Any governmental entity of the state may purchase liability insurance to cover claims in excess of the amounts provided for in Section 11-46-15 and may be sued by anyone in excess of the amounts provided for in Section 11-46-15 to the extent of such excess insurance carried; provided, however, that the immunity from suit above the amounts provided for in Section 11-46-15 shall be waived only to the extent of such excess liability insurance carried. Miss.Code Ann. § 11-46-17(4) (Supp.1998). Under § 11-46-15(a), the liability limit for Lisa's claim against Singing River arising from her hospitalization in September of 1995, would be $50,000. Miss.Code Ann. § 11-46-15(a) (Supp.1998). Mr. Denham asserted at the hearing that Singing River was protected by a $250,000 liability insurance policy at the time of Lisa's injuries. Attorneys for Singing River stipulated that there was a liability insurance policy in effect at the time of Lisa's treatment, but did not reveal the amount of coverage. On remand to the trial court, discovery should be conducted as to the amount of excess coverage available in this case. Singing River's immunity with regard to the amount of coverage in excess of $50,000 is waived under the terms of the governing statute. Should the Barneses succeed in their claim against Singing River, the additional liability insurance coverage will be available to them as part of their potential recovery, regardless of any other immunity afforded Singing River in this case. Hord v. Yazoo, 702 So.2d 121, 124 (Miss. 1997) (Lee, C.J., concurring joined by Pittman, Banks, McRae and Roberts, Jr., J.J.).