What is the test for determining whether a defendant's financial condition is sufficient to sustain an award of punitive damages?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from Green v. Laibco LLC, B212933, No. BC 374097 (Cal. App. 2011):

Evidence of the defendant's financial condition is a prerequisite for an award of punitive damages. (Adams v. Murakami (1991) 54 Cal.3d 105, 108-109 (Adams) ["an award of punitive damages cannot be sustained on appeal unless the trial record contains meaningful evidence of the defendant's financial condition"].) "Without such evidence, a reviewing court can only speculate as to whether the award is appropriate or excessive." (Id. at p. 112.) Plaintiff has the burden of proof. (Id. at p. 119.)

Adams "decline[d]... to prescribe any rigid standard for measuring a defendant's ability to pay." (Adams, supra, 54 Cal.3d at p. 116, fn. 7 ["[w]e cannot conclude on the record before us that any particular measure of ability to pay is superior to all others or that a single standard is appropriate in all cases"].) In Baxter v. Peterson (2007) 150 Cal.App.4th 673, the court summarized the pertinent court of appeal authorities on the point:

Page 13

Other Questions


What is the test for determining whether a defendant's financial condition is sufficient to sustain a punitive damages claim? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a plaintiff's financial condition is to be considered a factor in determining whether to award punitive damages? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant's financial condition is to be considered a factor in determining punitive damages? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining that a plaintiff's financial condition is not a factor in determining punitive damages? (California, United States of America)
In a personal injury action, can a defendant argue against a punitive damages award for failing to provide evidence of his financial condition? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant's age, education, physical condition, and mental health are factors used in determining whether they should be charged with assault? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a plaintiff is entitled to a punitive damages award? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant's mental impairment is an impairment when determining whether he acted in imperfect or complete self-defense? (California, United States of America)
Does a defendant have to meet with a juror to determine whether a defendant has made a sufficient showing of misconduct on a request to disclose juror information? (California, United States of America)
What is the impact of wealth on determining whether a punitive damages award is excessive? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.