Court Opinion

ID: 9884086
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 02:35:14.148674+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:36:47.470650
License: Public Domain

HARWOOD, Justice
(concurring specially) :
I concur with the result reached in the majority opinion except as to the amount of the remittitur required.
*593True, the conduct of the Alabama Power Company was aggravated and oppressive, and certainly subjected it to being assessed with punitive damages. However, the appellees were without electric current for only nine days. There was no evidence of any special damages. In my opinion a judgment in the amount of $15,000.00 would adequately compensate the appellees for any inconvenience or embarrassment they may have suffered, and at the same time sufficiently chastise and punish the Power Company for their conduct in this instance.
Admittedly, there is no certain rule to be applied in determining the excessiveness or inadequacy of damages. It is simply whether the judicial conscience is quickened by the damages awarded. Foster v. Floyd, 276 Ala. 428, 163 So.2d 213. It is my feeling that the damages awarded are excessive to the extend of $15,000.00.