Punitive Damages Reform: HB 58 (1997).
Limits the award of punitive damages in most cases to
Limits the award of punitive damages in most cases to the greater of three times the award of compensatory damages or $500,000. Limits the award of punitive damages to the greater of four times compensatory damages, four times the aggregate amount of financial gain, or $7,000,000, when the defendant’s action is motivated by financial gain. Limits punitive damages in unlawful employment practices lawsuits to: $200,000, when the employer has less than 100 employees in the state; $300,000, when the employer has more than 100, but less than 200 employees in the state; $400,000, when the employer has more than 200, but less than 500 employees in the state; and $500,000, when the employer has more than 500 employees in the state. Requires a plaintiff to show by “clear and convincing” evidence that a defendant acted with “reckless indifference” or was engaged in “outrageous” conduct. Requires the determination of awards for punitive damages to be made in a separate proceeding. Requires that 50% of punitive damages awards be paid to the state treasury.
Latest News
View all news
‘Highly Unusual’ Rehearing of Louisiana Case Raises Judicial Independence Concerns
Louisiana Supreme Court Waffles Under Political Pressure, ATRA Brief Urges Court to Stand Strong
America’s Top 9 Worst Judicial Hellholes®
Left unchecked, these jurisdictions will continue dragging down economic growth and undermining justice through rampant lawsuit abuse.
ATRA Commends J&J’s Plan to Resolve Notorious Talc Lawsuits
Claimants Given Opportunity to Vote on Plan; Judge to Reconsider Scientific Validity of Plaintiffs’ Experts
The Lab Whose Junk Science Is Fueling a Frenzy of Litigation
Legitimate consumer protection demands sound science and impartial analysis — not distorted data designed to manufacture lawsuits.
Lawsuit Advertising Frenzy Fuels Georgia’s Litigation Epidemic
Law Firms Spent $168M+ on 2.2M Ads in Georgia
Trial Lawyers’ Dual Grip on Pennsylvania Politics and Public Opinion Revealed in New ATRA Reports
ATRA’s Latest Studies Reveal Financial Influence and Lack of Transparency in Pennsylvania’s Campaign Finance Systems