Opinion ID: 1860253
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: attorney's fees and punitive damages

Text: The Cenacs sought punitive damages and attorney's fees which the lower court denied. We find error as to the denial of attorney's fees. It is well settled that absent statutory authority or contractual provisions, attorneys' fees cannot be awarded unless punitive damages are also proper. Defenbaugh and Company of Leland v. Rogers, 543 So.2d 1164, 1167 (Miss. 1989); Central Bank of Mississippi v. Butler, 517 So.2d 507, 512 (Miss. 1988); Grisham v. Hinton, 490 So.2d 1201, 1205 (Miss. 1986); Gardner v. Jones, 464 So.2d 1144, 1150 (Miss. 1985); Aetna Casualty & Surety Co. v. Steele, 373 So.2d 797, 801 (Miss. 1979). We find that the parties did, in fact, contractually bargain for the right to attorney's fees should such be necessary to enforce the contract. It is further agreed that if it becomes necessary to insure the performance of the conditions of this Contract and it becomes necessary to employ an attorney, the defaulting party or parties agree to pay reasonable attorney fees and court costs therewith. Para. 7, Contract For Deed. Consequently, upon remand the lower court shall make the proper allowance for attorney's fees. See Young v. Huron Smith Oil Co., Inc., 564 So.2d 36, 40 (Miss. 1990); Carter v. Clegg, 557 So.2d 1187, 1192 (Miss. 1990); McKee v. McKee, 418 So.2d 764, 767 (Miss. 1982). Further, the issue of punitive damages may be considered pursuant to the appropriate criteria. See Southeast Bank of Broward, Florida v. I.P. Sarullo Enterprises, Inc., 555 So.2d 704, 712 (Miss. 1989); Central Bank of Mississippi v. Butler, 517 So.2d 507, 512 (Miss. 1987); Tideway Oil Programs Inc. v. Serio, 431 So.2d 454, 465 (Miss. 1983).