Punitive

Pennsylvania Court Halts $2.7M Punitive Damages in Nursing Home Case, Sparking Changes in Legal Strategy for Defense Attorneys

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PITTSBURGH — A recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Superior Court has significant implications for punitive damages awarded in negligence cases. On May 19, 2025, the court vacated a $2.7 million punitive damages verdict in the case of Bernavage v. Green Ridge Healthcare, determining that the trial court erred by allowing an amendment to the plaintiff’s complaint that introduced allegations of recklessness at the trial’s outset. The court ruled that this late amendment came as an “unfair surprise” to the defense. In Pennsylvania, juries can grant punitive damages when a defendant’s actions are deemed outrageous, particularly … Read more

Jury Slaps Gawker Media with $25 Million in Punitive Damages, Reinforcing the Consequences of Privacy Violations

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — A jury has awarded a total of $25 million in punitive damages against Gawker Media and its owner, following a previous judgment of $115 million related to the publication of a private sex tape featuring professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea. The jury announced its decision on Monday, reiterating its stance against the media company for what it deemed reckless behavior. The punitive damages breakdown includes $15 million directed at Gawker Media and $10 million for its owner. This hefty award underscores the jury’s intent to impose severe … Read more

Judge Declares $53.6 Million Punitive Award ‘Unsupported,’ T.I. and Tiny Weigh Options for New Trial Against MGA Entertainment

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A California jury previously awarded rapper T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, $71 million in a legal battle against toy maker MGA Entertainment over claims of intellectual property infringement. However, recent developments in the case have introduced the possibility of a retrial, following a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna stating that a significant portion of the award, specifically $53.6 million in punitive damages, lacked proper evidential support. Judge Selna indicated that the maximum punitive damages that could be reasonably supported by the evidence is merely $1. This ruling has opened … Read more

Appeals Court Slashes $65 Million Punitive Damage Award in Georgia Fraud Case, Upholds $650,000 Compensatory Judgment

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ATLANTA, Ga. — A Georgia Court of Appeals ruling has significantly reduced the punitive damages awarded in a fraud case involving a doctor and a businessman. The court vacated a jury’s $65 million punitive award while upholding compensatory damages of $650,000 and attorney fees exceeding $500,000 against businessman Firoz Thakkar. The appellate court noted that the “potential and actual harm” caused by Thakkar’s actions primarily affected one individual, leading to an economic loss rather than broader societal damages. The judges emphasized that under the circumstances presented, the punitive damages were disproportionate. If this ruling remains … Read more