Section 5 Punitive Damages

• Library: Consumer Law and Practice 2010

Punitive damages may be awarded to the plaintiff in actions under § 407.025.1, RSMo 2000. Hess v. Chase Manhattan Bank, USA, N.A., 220 S.W.3d 758 (Mo. banc 2007); Cohen v. Express Fin. Servs., Inc., 145 S.W.3d 857 (Mo. App. W.D. 2004). To recover punitive damages, the plaintiff must prove by clear and convincing evidence the defendant's culpable mental state by showing either a wanton, willful, or outrageous act or reckless disregard for an act's consequences, from which evil motive is inferred. Werremeyer v. K.C. Auto Salvage Co., 134 S.W.3d 633 (Mo. banc 2004); see also Walsh v. Al West Chrysler, Inc., 211 S.W.3d 673 (Mo. App. S.D. 2007) (mere breach of contract not sufficient to support a punitive award).

It should be noted that the award of punitive damages is now subject to federal constitutional constraints. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Campbell, 538 U.S. 408 (2003). See also:

· Philip Morris USA v. Williams, 549 U.S. 346 (2007) (limits on jury consideration of evidence of harm to third persons caused by defendant's conduct)

· Cooper Indus., Inc. v. Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., 532 U.S. 424 (2001)

· BMW of N. Am., Inc. v. Gore, 517 U.S. 559 (1996)

In Krysa v. Payne, 176 S.W.3d 150 (Mo. App. W.D. 2005), the court undertook an extensive analysis of the due process standards enunciated by the Supreme Court in affirming an award of...