U.S. Chamber's Litigation Center Hails Ruling Reducing Punitive Damages in Ford Case

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC) applauded yesterday's decision by the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Appellate District in California to reduce the non-economic and punitive damages awards in Benetta Buell-Wilson, et al., v. Ford Motor Company, et al. The case stems from a 2002 accident involving a 1997 Ford Explorer.

"The court made clear that juries must fairly assess the evidence without bowing to passion or prejudice," said Robin Conrad, NCLC senior vice president. "The jury award was simply out of proportion to the injury suffered."

In yesterday's decision, the California appellate court reduced the non-economic damages awarded by the jury as excessive under state law, and concluded that the jury's award for punitive damages was excessive and that it violated federal due process limitations.

"California law recognizes the danger in awarding excessive punitive damages, and in this case unnecessary punitive damages," Conrad said. "The court showed respect for what the plaintiffs have lost, and awarded them compensation more in-line with state law."

NCLC recently formed the California Litigation Advisory Committee to solely focus on California cases that adversely impact the business community. A list of committee members is here.

NCLC-the public policy law firm of the U.S. Chamber-is a membership organization that advocates fair treatment of business in the courts and before regulatory agencies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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