Opinion ID: 2305543
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statutory Maximum for Loss of Comfort, Society, and Companionship

Text: [¶ 6] Robert and Barbara contend that they are entitled to $150,000  the maximum amount of recovery for loss of comfort, society, and companionship permitted by the wrongful death statute as it existed when they commenced their action. 18-A M.R.S.A. § 2-804(b) (1998). The defendants contend that Robert and Barbara are entitled to $75,000  the maximum permitted by the statute as it existed when Karen suffered her fatal injury. 18-A M.R.S.A. § 2-804(b) (1981), as amended by P.L.1989, ch. 340. [1] [¶ 7] Amendments to the wrongful death statute's caps do not apply retroactively. Greenvall v. Me. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2001 ME 180, 788 A.2d 165. Although this cause of action accrued after the Legislature had enacted the Public Law establishing the $150,000 cap, the accident occurred before the law's effective date of July 4, 1996. P.L.1995, ch. 577, § 1; L.D. 742 (117th Legis.1995). The court properly applied the $75,000 cap.