Punitive Damages Reform: HB 729 (1995): N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 10-15(b), 1D‑25 .
Limits the award of punitive damages to the greater of
Limits the award of punitive damages to the greater of three times the award of compensatory damages or $250,000, unless the defendant caused the injury by driving while impaired. Requires a plaintiff to show by “clear and convincing” evidence that a defendant was liable for compensatory damages and acted with fraud, malice, willful or wanton conduct. Requires the determination of awards for punitive damages to be made in a separate proceeding at the request of the defendant. The statute limiting punitive damages awards to the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000 did not violate the right to a jury trial, separation of powers principle, open courts guarantee, prohibition against special legislation, or the principles of due process, equal protection or the right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor under the State Constitution, and was not void for vagueness. Rhyne v. K-Mart Corp., 2002 WL 553461 (N.C. App. Apr. 16, 2002).
Latest News
View all news
Trial Lawyers’ Rush Amendment Passes IL House in Early Morning Hours, Heads to Governor
ATRA’s statement on passage of Amendment 1 to Illinois House Bill 3360
IL Lawmakers Rush to Amend Bill for Trial Lawyers’ Gain, Ignore COVID-19 Liability Protections
ATRA’s statement on Amendment 1 to Illinois House Bill 3360
Statement Concerning Violent Mob Attack on U.S. Capitol
ATRA President Tiger Joyce released the following statement in response to the unprecedented attack on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6:
Congress Fails to Protect Small Businesses & Others from COVID-19 Liability
ATRA voices its disappointment as Congress fails to include liability protections in its latest COVID-19 relief package.
Courts in ‘Judicial Hellholes’ Less Likely to Abide by SCOTUS Precedent
ATRA President Tiger Joyce writes in this op-ed about a growing trend of state courts bucking SCOTUS precedent when it comes to personal jurisdiction.
Minnesota Slides Into ‘Judicial Hellholes’ Ranks Yet Again
Activism in AG’s office, Supreme Court’s acceptance of lawsuit funding and loose venue rules to blame