Opinion ID: 882245
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Part 1Liability Exposure

Text: Section 2-9-101, contains a definition of claim which has remained essentially unchanged since enactment in 1959. In pertinent part § 2-9-101, provides: (1) Claim means any claim against a governmental entity, for money damages only, which any person is legally entitled to recover as damages because of personal injury or property damage caused by a negligent or wrongful act or omission committed by any employee of the governmental entity while acting within the scope of his employment, under circumstances where the governmental entity, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant for such damages under the laws of the state. (Emphasis added). ..... (4) Personal injury means any ... bodily injury ... sustained by any person and caused by an occurrence for which the state may be held liable. Section 2-9-102, provides that every governmental entity is subject to liability for its torts and those of its employees acting within the scope of their employment except as specifically provided by the Legislature under Article II, Section 18, of the Montana Constitution. Section 2-9-105, continues to provide that the State and other governmental entities are immune from exemplary and punitive damages. Section 2-9-108, provides that neither the State nor any political subdivision is liable for damages in excess of $750,000 for each claim and $1,500,000 for each occurrence. It also contains an excess damage provision. Section 2-9-111, as set forth in full in part I of this opinion, provides that a governmental entity is immune from suit, and also that an agent of a legislative body is immune from suit under described circumstances. Section 2-9-112, -113, and -114, set forth other immunity provisions not pertinent here.