Opinion ID: 1786824
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 40

Heading: model verdict forms for use in bifurcated punitive damage (pd 1) cases

Text: Verdict form 8.7(a) should be used in the first stage of the bifurcated trial prescribed by W.R. Grace & Co. v. Waters, 638 So.2d 502 (Fla.1994) . Verdict form 8.7(b) is used only if the jury determined in the first stage that punitive damages are warranted, and after the jury has received any additional evidence relevant to the amount of punitive damages in the second stage and has been given PD 1b(1), (2) and (3). 8.7(a) Punitive Damage LiabilityStage One Determination: Under the circumstances of this case, state whether you find by clear and convincing evidence that punitive damages are warranted against: (defendant) Yes ____No ____ (defendant) Yes ____No ____ Note: List only the defendant(s) whose conduct the Court has determined may warrant punitive damages. It may be necessary to modify this verdict form where punitive damages based on either direct or vicarious liability are at issue under PD 1a(3) or (4). 8.7(b) Amount of Punitive Damages Stage Two Determination: (1) Causes of action arising prior to October 1, 1999 What is the total amount of punitive damages, if any, which you find, by the greater weight of the evidence, should be assessed against defendant[s]? (defendant) $________ (defendant) $________ If you elect not to assess punitive damages against a defendant, you should enter a zero (0) as the amount of damages. Note: List only the defendant(s) against whom the jury has determined, in the first stage of the bifurcated punitive damages trial, that punitive damages are warranted. (2) Causes of action arising on or after October 1, 1999 What is the total amount of punitive damages, if any, which you find, by the greater weight of the evidence, should be assessed against defendant[s]? (defendant) $________ (defendant) $________ Note: List only the defendant(s) against whom the jury has determined, in the first stage of the bifurcated punitive damages trial, that punitive damages are warranted. If you elect not to assess punitive damages against a defendant, you should enter a zero (0) as the amount of damages, and sign and date the verdict form. [If you have assessed punitive damages, the law requires you to answer the following questions:] [At the time of [loss] [injury] [or] [damage] to (claimant), did [defendant] [the managing agent, director, officer, or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant] have a specific intent to harm (claimant) and did the conduct of [defendant] [the managing agent, director, officer, or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant] in fact harm (claimant)? (defendant) Yes ____No ____ (the managing agent, director, officer, or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant) Yes ____No ____] [Was the wrongful conduct of [defendant] [the managing agent, director, officer or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant] motivated solely by unreasonable financial gain and was the unreasonably dangerous nature of the conduct, together with the high likelihood of injury resulting from the conduct, actually known by [defendant][the managing agent, director, officer or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant]? (defendant) Yes ____No ____ (the managing agent, director, officer, or other person responsible for making policy decisions on behalf of the defendant) Yes ____No ____]