Punitive

Louisiana Legislature Passes Suite of Punitive Changes, Reignites Debate on Criminal Justice Reform

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Once known as the “prison capital of the world,” Louisiana had managed to shed that dubious title through criminal justice reforms in 2017. However, the state is now poised to regain that reputation as lawmakers recently passed a suite of punitive changes. These new laws, which are set to be signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, will eliminate the possibility of parole for most new convictions and increase the length of time individuals must serve before being released for good behavior. Additionally, these changes will limit the tools available to local prosecutors … Read more

Oregon Supreme Court Overturns $10 Million Punitive Damages Award in Landlord Negligence Case

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PORTLAND, Ore. – In a groundbreaking premises liability case, a tenant at an apartment complex in Portland, Oregon alleged that he suffered a serious knee injury when a concrete walkway collapsed beneath him. The tenant, seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm he endured, sued the landlord for negligence. The case, known as Trebelhorn v. Prime Wimbledon SPE, LLC, reached the Oregon Supreme Court, resulting in a significant ruling that could impact similar cases in the future. The tenant, who underwent surgery for a meniscal tear caused by the incident, demanded $45,000 for economic … Read more

Landmark Disability Case: Ontario Court of Appeal Confirms Record $1.5 Million Punitive Damages Award Against Blue Cross Life Insurance

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Toronto, Ontario – In a landmark case against a disability insurer, the Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld the largest punitive damages award in Canadian history, amounting to $1.5 million. The decision in Sara Baker v. Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada sheds light on the reasoning behind this substantial sum. Previously, the jury’s rationale for the award had remained unknown as they are not required to provide written reasons for their verdicts. The case revolves around Baker, who had suffered a stroke and brain bleed, rendering her unable to continue her job as … Read more

Landmark Ruling: Appeals Court Overturns $365M Punitive Damages Against FedEx

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – In a recent ruling, an appeals court overturned a $365 million jury award of punitive damages against FedEx. The decision came after a trial in which FedEx was sued for allegedly overcharging customers through its fuel surcharge practices. The case, which dates back to 2006, accused FedEx of intentionally misleading customers about the application of its fuel surcharges. A jury had initially awarded the plaintiffs $5.5 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $365 million in punitive damages. However, the appeals court found that the punitive damages were excessive and violated FedEx’s … Read more