Opinion ID: 4439596
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Punitive-Damages Claim

Text: {¶ 19} In light of our holding that this case should have been resolved by the granting of a directed verdict in Giant Eagle’s favor, the award of punitive damages must be vacated. Pursuant to R.C. 2315.21(C), punitive damages are not recoverable unless there has been a verdict in the plaintiff’s favor on the issue of compensatory damages. Niskanen v. Giant Eagle, Inc., 122 Ohio St.3d 486, 2009Ohio-3626, 912 N.E.2d 595, ¶ 13; see also Moskovitz v. Mt. Sinai Med. Ctr., 69 Ohio St.3d 638, 650, 635 N.E.2d 331 (1994) (punitive damages are awarded as an 9 SUPREME COURT OF OHIO incident to the cause of action from which they are sought; compensable harm must be found before punitive damages may be considered).