CLAARK Vs. Chrysler Corporation: Court Cases
CLARK V. CHRYSLER CORPORATION U.S COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT 2006 U.S APP. LEXIS 2435
Fact: Charles Clark was fatally injured in an automobile accident when he pulled into an intersection in front of an oncoming vehicle and collided whit it. He was not wearing a seat belt and was consequently ejected from his vehicle. His wife sued Chrysler, claiming that its pick up truck was defectively and negligently designed.
Issue: can Chrysler corporation appeal the jury judgment as excessive punitive damage?
Decision: Yes, Chrysler can claim that.
Reasoning: according to the three Gore guideposts that courts must consider when reviewing punitive damage awards, the court concluded that the $3million award here is constitutionally excessive.
Fact: Charles Clark was fatally injured in an automobile accident when he pulled into an intersection in front of an oncoming vehicle and collided whit it. He was not wearing a seat belt and was consequently ejected from his vehicle. His wife sued Chrysler, claiming that its pick up truck was defectively and negligently designed.
Issue: can Chrysler corporation appeal the jury judgment as excessive punitive damage?
Decision: Yes, Chrysler can claim that.
Reasoning: according to the three Gore guideposts that courts must consider when reviewing punitive damage awards, the court concluded that the $3million award here is constitutionally excessive.