Opinion ID: 777337
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Similar Cases

Text: 53 USWA argues in other cases ratios of less than 42.5 to 1 have been subject to a remittitur and accordingly the punitive damages in this case should be as well. See Rubinstein v. Administrators of Tulane Educational Fund, 218 F.3d 392, 408 (5th Cir.2000) (punitive damages award that was 30 times greater than the compensatory award was unreasonable where harm Plaintiff suffered was loss of a 3.5 percent pay raise). The cases USWA relies on, however, involved economic harm to a plaintiff which is much easier to quantify than the impairment of ones free speech rights. In cases where the harm to the Plaintiff involved free speech rights the courts allow for higher ratios. See Kinslow v. American Postal Workers Union, Chicago Local, 222 F.3d 269 (7th Cir.2000) (LMRDA plaintiff awarded $150,000 dollars in punitive damages and $1 dollar in compensatory damages for his free speech claim). 54 After considering the three factors prescribed in BMW, we decline to exercise our power to order a remittitur in this case.