New Punitive Damages now in Effect
January 5, 2012 by Collins & Lacy, P.C.
The new year brings new changes regarding punitive damages. Effective January 1, 2012, there are significant changes to the law concerning punitive damage awards in South Carolina.
The changes are a result of the South Carolina Fairness in Civil Justice Act of 2011, which was signed into law on June 14, 2011.
Generally, under the Act, no award of punitive damages may exceed the greater of three times the compensatory damage awarded to each plaintiff or the sum of $500,000.00. However, the cap may be increased to the greater of four times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each claimant or $2 million. To learn more about the provisions and exceptions under the Act, read our original blog post. You can find it here.

About Collins & Lacy, P.C.
Collins & Lacy is a statewide business defense firm in South Carolina relentlessly focused on the client experience by delivering unwavering legal representation through solid preparation, consistent execution, and client-oriented service aimed at success. The firm represents local, regional and national clients in the areas of construction, corporate and business law, retail/hospitality, insurance/bad faith, products liability, professional liability, commercial transportation, and workers’ compensation.