Opinion ID: 1110800
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The relationship of the punitive-damages award and the harm actually or likely to occur.

Text: `Punitive damages should bear a reasonable relationship to the harm that is likely to occur from the defendant's conduct as well as to the harm that actually occurred. If the actual or likely harm is slight, the damages should be relatively small. If grievous, the damages should be much greater.'  Green Oil, 539 So.2d at 223, quoting Aetna Life Ins. Co. v. Lavoie, 505 So.2d 1050, 1062 (Ala.1987) (Houston, J., concurring specially). Sockwell, 829 So.2d at 138. In this case, as a result of Shiv-Ram's failure to properly inspect or to inquire about the motel premises at any time before or after the closing date, the injury suffered by Linda was significant and ongoing. Also, under Shiv-Ram's ownership, injuries to other patrons and employees were likely to occur; it took only one day of its ownership for Linda to be injured. This factor weighs against a finding that the punitive-damages award is excessive.