Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. and Nissan North America, Inc. v. Amanda Maddox

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court held that the jury instruction authorizing punitive damages against Nissan was improper because the evidence did not establish Nissan's reckless or wanton disregard for safety, and therefore reversed the Court of Appeals on that issue and vacated the punitive damages judgment. Justice Barber dissented, arguing the appellate court’s decision should be affirmed.