Opinion ID: 1732706
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: whether the chancellor erred in denying the hopkinses' demand for punitive damages.

Text: ¶ 25. The Hopkinses, as cross-appellants, allege that the chancellor erred in refusing to award punitive damages. Specifically, they assert that Hamilton intentionally refused to close on the sale of the house which was an intentional wrong and in reckless disregard of the Hopkinses' rights. We agree with the chancellor that punitive damages were not appropriate in this case. ¶ 26. To qualify for punitive damages in a breach of contract case, a plaintiff must prove by a preponderance that the breach was the result of an intentional wrong or that a defendant acted maliciously or with reckless disregard of the plaintiff's rights. Paracelsus Health Care Corp. v. Willard, 754 So.2d 437, 442 (Miss. 1999); Hurst v. Southwest Miss. Legal Servs. Corp., 708 So.2d 1347, 1350 (Miss. 1998); Am. Funeral Assurance Co. v. Hubbs, 700 So.2d 283, 286 (Miss. 1997); Dynasteel Corp. v. Aztec Indus., Inc., 611 So.2d 977, 985 (Miss.1992); Eselin-Bullock & Assocs. Ins. Agency, Inc. v. Nat'l Gen. Ins. Co., 604 So.2d 236, 241 (Miss.1992); Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Miss., Inc. v. Maas, 516 So.2d 495, 496 (Miss.1987). ¶ 27. The Hopkinses argue that Hamilton's breach was not an honest mistake and that he chose to breach the contract. They list their actual damages incurred as evidence of Hamilton's amenability to punitive damages. While it is true that Hamilton willingly chose not to complete the contract, there is no evidence he acted maliciously or in reckless disregard of the Hopkinses' rights. Hamilton testified that he unsuccessfully tried to contact Harriel and Pringle from August 1 to August 24 to tell them he would not purchase the property without a reduction in price or replacement of the HVAC units. The Hopkinses have failed to carry their burden of proof; and therefore, such circumstances do not rise to the level of an independent tort permitting imposition of punitive damages. The chancellor's denial of all other relief was supported by substantial evidence, and we will not disturb it. See Wright v. Roberts, 797 So.2d 992, 997 (Miss.2001).