783 F. Supp. 2d 76
D.D.C.2011Background
- Civil Action No. 08-1557 involves Karen Feld as plaintiff and Kenneth Feld as defendant in the District of Columbia federal court.
- At a Final Pretrial Conference on April 21, 2011, the court reserved ruling on punitive damages for the trespass counterclaim.
- The court had previously, in an April 20, 2011 order, limited the trespass claim to nominal damages for Kenneth Feld.
- Kenneth Feld sought punitive damages for the trespass counterclaim despite the nominal damages limitation.
- Plaintiff disclaimed compensatory and emotional distress damages; remaining theories for compensatory damages were deemed invalid.
- The court found two independent bases to permit punitive damages despite nominal damages for the trespass claim.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether punitive damages may be awarded with nominal damages for trespass | Feld argues punitive damages may be sought where a basis exists for actual damages on record. | Feld contends the court should allow punitive damages despite nominal damages. | Permitted to seek punitive damages |
| Is there a basis in the record for actual damages supporting punitive damages | There is a possible basis for actual harm even if compensatory damages were denied. | No need for compensatory damages if no basis exists for actual damages. | Yes, there can be a basis in the record for actual damages allowing punitive damages |
| Does an intentional trespass exception exist limiting the DC rule on punitive damages | Some jurisdictions allow punitive damages when trespass is intentional, with a presumed minimal damages. | DC rule generally requires a basis for actual damages; exceptions not settled in DC. | Yes, recognized as persuasive in this court; allows punitive damages alongside nominal damages |
Key Cases Cited
- Maxwell v. Gallagher, 709 A.2d 100 (D.C. 1998) (requires actual damages basis for punitive damages)
- Griffith v. Barnes, 560 F.Supp.2d 29 (D.D.C.2008) (basis in record for actual damages supports punitive damages)
- Dyer v. William S. Bergman & Assocs., Inc., 657 A.2d 1132 (D.C.1995) (punitive damages possible when trial court setbacks do not negate record basis)
- Jacque v. Steenberg Homes, 209 Wis.2d 605, 563 N.W.2d 154 (Wis. 1997) (intentional trespass permits substantial punitive damages even with minimal harm)
- Rhodes v. Harwood, 273 Or. 903, 544 P.2d 147 (Or. 1975) (presumed damages in intentional trespass do not require proof of actual damages)
- Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 163 cmt. e; § 908 cmt. c (Restatement) (nominal damages can support punitive damages for outrageous trespass)