Does Tennessee have any limits on punitive damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases?
Yes, for all injuries and deaths that occur as a result of reckless or malicious acts on or after October 1, 2011.
Under the new law, punitive damages are limited to $500,000 or two times the compensatory damages awarded in the case, whichever is more. Punitive damages are not limited in cases involving those who cause harm while under the influence of drugs and alcohol and those who intend to cause physical injury. Punitive damages are prohibited in certain other types of cases.
If the injury or death occurred before October 1, 2011, there is no statutory limit on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded.