Opinion ID: 1861064
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor of james brewer and ccri on the issue of punitive damages?

Text: ¶ 22. The Malones seek punitive damages from CCRI and Brewer in the total amount of $2,000,000. The standard for punitive damages is set by statute as follows: Punitive damages may not be awarded if the claimant does not prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant, against whom punitive damages are sought, acted with actual malice, gross negligence which evidences a willful, wanton or reckless disregard for the safety of others, or committed actual fraud. Miss.Code Ann. § 11-1-65(1)(a) (Supp. 2001). ¶ 23. The alleged wrong must be willful, malicious, or reckless. Punitive damages are only appropriate in the most egregious cases so as to discourage similar conduct and should only be awarded in cases where the actions are extreme. Paracelsus Health Care Corp. v. Willard, 754 So.2d 437, 442 (Miss.1999)(citing Wirtz v. Switzer, 586 So.2d 775, 783 (Miss.1991)). Clearly, the negligence involved in Jones's failure to lower the landing gear does not rise to the level required under Mississippi law to justify the imposition of punitive damages. We find that punitive damages are not appropriate under the factual circumstances of this case. Therefore, the issue is without merit.