Section 11 Generally

• Library: Damages 2012

Section 537.090, RSMo Supp. 2011, provides that “[t]he mitigating or aggravating circumstances attending the death may be considered by the trier of the facts . . . .” This consideration is punitive in nature:

· Coon v. Am. Compressed Steel, Inc., 207 S.W.3d 629, 637 (Mo. App. W.D. 2006)

· In re Air Crash Disaster Near Chicago, Ill. on May 25, 1979, 644 F.2d 594, 606 (7^th Cir. 1981) (applying Missouri law)

· Wiseman v. Mo. Pac. R.R. Co., 575 S.W.2d 742, 752 (Mo. App. E.D. 1978)

· Contestible v. Brookshire, 355 S.W.2d 36, 42 (Mo. 1962) (construing prior version of statute)

It requires evidence showing “willful misconduct, wantonness, recklessness, or a want of care indicative of indifference to consequences.” Weast v. Festus Flying Serv., Inc., 680 S.W.2d 262, 266 (Mo. App. E.D. 1984); Williams v. Excavating & Found. Co., 93 S.W.2d 123, 127 (Mo. App. E.D. 1936). The provision is intended both to punish and to deter outrageous conduct, Guthrie ex rel. Herring v. Mo. Methodist Hosp., 706 S.W.2d 938, 942 (Mo. App. W.D. 1986), and an increase based on aggravating circumstances is permissible only if the decedent, had he lived, would have been entitled to punitive damages, Dougherty v. Smith, 480 S.W.2d 519, 521 (Mo. App...