Opinion ID: 2569613
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: stafford's motion to add claim for punitive damages

Text: Stafford argues the district judge erred by denying his motion to add a claim for punitive damages. In support of the alleged error, Stafford reasserts his contention that Weaver intentionally or negligently interfered with Stafford's appropriative water rights. The district judge denied Stafford's motion, stating [t]he Court will allow such a motion to amend the pleadings if the moving party establishes ... a reasonable likelihood of proving facts at trial sufficient to support an award of punitive damages. The district judge concluded the evidence before the Court does not establish such a likelihood in this case. To support a motion to add punitive damages under I.C. § 6-1604, Stafford is required to establish a reasonable likelihood he could prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Weaver acted oppressively, fraudulently, wantonly, maliciously or outrageously. See Vaught v. Dairyland Ins. Co., 131 Idaho 357, 362, 956 P.2d 674, 679 (1998). The district judge's determination that Stafford failed to establish such a reasonable likelihood is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Id., 131 Idaho at 362-63, 956 P.2d at 679-80. The abuse of discretion inquiry examines (1) whether the trial judge correctly perceived the issue as one of discretion; (2) whether the trial judge acted within the outer boundaries of his discretion and consistently with the legal standards applicable to the specific choices available to him; and (3) whether the trial judge reached his decision through an exercise of reason. Sun Valley Shopping Ctr. v. Idaho Power, 119 Idaho 87, 94, 803 P.2d 993, 1000 (1991). It is clear from the judge's comments that he correctly understood the discretionary decision to be made, applied the correct standards and utilized reason in reaching his decision. We therefore hold the district judge did not abuse his discretion by denying Stafford's claim for punitive damages.