It would instead sacrifice individual rights and deliver a massive bailout to big business and industry groups. This bill would arbitrarily cap punitive damages in product liability cases, an unwarranted and dangerous move.
Punitive damages are extremely rare and, when made, are closely scrutinized by courts.
The most exhaustive study ever of punitive awards in product liability cases found only 355 in 25 years. More than half were reduced or overturned on appeal. This makes all Americans safer. Without punitive damages and their deterrent effect, flammable children's clothing, the dangerous Dalkon Shield, deadly asbestos and unsafe farm equipment might still be killing and maiming untold Americans today. In fact, the specter of meaningful punitive damages is what has finally forced the tobacco industry to the bargaining table.