Have you ever seen a case where covering medical bills or lost wages just isn’t enough? When carelessness causes severe injury, punitive damages come into play—not to cover costs but to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. At our firm, led by Johnnie Bond, we fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
Today, we’ll break down punitive damages in Tennessee—what they are, how they differ from other compensation, and the impact of the recent 6th Circuit ruling. Stick with us as we explain this in a straightforward way.
What Are Punitive Damages?
When you get hurt, you may be awarded compensatory damages. These are meant to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Punitive damages, on the other hand, serve a different purpose. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer for conduct that goes far beyond a simple mistake. These damages act as a warning to anyone thinking about repeating such behavior.
Real-Life Examples
Consider these situations:
- Drunk Driving Accidents: When someone chooses to drive under the influence, causing an accident that leaves another person severely injured.
- Product Liability Cases: If a company knowingly sells a product with a dangerous defect that results in injury.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: When someone purposely behaves in a way that causes extreme emotional harm.
In each of these cases, punitive damages are about sending a clear message: behavior that endangers others will have serious consequences.
The Tennessee Punitive Damages Cap
Under Tennessee law, punitive damages are subject to limits. According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-104, punitive damages are generally capped at either two times the amount of compensatory damages awarded or $500,000 – whichever is greater. This means that even if the evidence of wrongful conduct is overwhelming, the award for punitive damages won’t exceed this limit.
Exceptions to the Cap
There are exceptions where the cap might not apply, including cases where:
- There is a specific intent to inflict serious injury.
- There is an intentional falsification of records.
- The actions were committed under the influence of a substance.
These exceptions are designed for situations where the defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious, allowing for potentially higher punitive damages.
The 6th Circuit Ruling
In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in the case of Lindenberg v. Jackson National Life Insurance Company, ruled that the punitive damages cap was unconstitutional under the Tennessee Constitution.
However, this ruling does not bind Tennessee State courts. The state courts will still apply the cap unless the Tennessee Supreme Court makes a different decision. The Tennessee Attorney General has expressed that the state’s highest court should address this constitutional question, leaving the current legal situation in a state of uncertainty.
What Does This Mean for You?
This legal gray area means that while the cap is in effect in state court proceedings, the strong argument presented by the 6th Circuit ruling keeps the door open for change. Our firm sees this as an opportunity to explore every legal avenue to ensure that your case is given the best chance at receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Why This Matters to You
Imagine dealing with the aftermath of an accident where the impact on your life is significant. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional pain, you face mounting medical bills and lost income.
Even if you win a case, the cap on punitive damages might limit the amount you receive, making it harder to cover all your expenses and cope with the long-term effects of the injury.
The Frustration of Legal Limits
For those who have suffered due to someone else’s recklessness, a capped award can make it feel like they only got a slap on the wrist. It may seem that the law is putting a limit on how much wrongdoers are punished, which can be disheartening. Our firm is committed to standing by you and fighting to test these limits when the situation calls for it.
Our Pledge to You
At our firm, we take the time to understand what happened to you and how it has affected your life. We believe in fighting for every available dollar of compensation, and we use every legal avenue to argue against the cap when the facts of your case warrant a higher award. Our approach is thorough, and we inform our clients at every step.
Get the Justice You Deserve: Contact Johnnie Bond Law
If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone else’s reckless or intentional actions, it’s important to understand your rights. Our firm is here to help you get the compensation you need to cover your losses and to send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
- Locations: We serve clients in Nashville, Memphis, and Washington, D.C.
- Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options.
Remember, your story matters. At our firm, we take the time to listen and to ensure that every detail of your experience is considered in our pursuit of justice. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a free consultation. Your case is important, and we are ready to work hard to secure the justice you deserve.
Give us a call today at 202-683-6803, or contact us online to start the conversation. We’re here to help you through every step of the process, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.