Sec. 2307.009.  ACTION TO COMPEL COMPLIANCE;  DISCIPLINARY ACTION.  (a)  A person, including a repair facility, aggrieved by a violation of this chapter by an insurer may bring an action for injunctive or other appropriate relief to compel the insurer to comply with this chapter.
(b)  In an action brought under this section, in addition to other appropriate relief, the court may impose a civil penalty as provided by this section.
(c)  A civil penalty imposed under this section may not be less than $1,000 or more than $5,000 per violation.  Each day during which a violation occurs is a separate violation.
(d)  The amount of a civil penalty under this section is based on the seriousness of the violation, and must reflect the following factors:
(1)  the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the act or omission that constitutes the violation;
(2)  the economic harm caused by the violation;
(3)  the history of previous violations;
(4)  the need to deter future violations by the person charged with a violation;
(5)  efforts, if any, made to correct the violation;  and
(6)  any other factors the court considers appropriate to implement the remedial intent of this chapter.
(e)  A civil penalty collected under this section shall be sent to the comptroller for deposit in the general revenue fund.
(f)  A plaintiff who prevails in an action under this section is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.
(g)  If a court finds that an action brought under this section was groundless, brought in bad faith, or brought for the purpose of harassment, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing defendant.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1045, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Renumbered from Occupations Code, Section 2306.009 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(76), eff. September 1, 2005.