Case Updates
Outcome
May 19, 2017
The Iowa Supreme Court overturned a punitive damages award that was 88 times greater than the compensatory damages award. The court reasoned that one of the underlying bad-faith claims was erroneously submitted to the jury and did not address the constitutional challenge.
U.S. Chamber urges Iowa Supreme Court to review excessive and unconstitutional punitive award
November 12, 2015
In its brief, the U.S. Chamber urged the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn or reduce a punitive damages award on the ground that it violates federal constitutional limits. The brief argues that the lower court failed to follow the Supreme Court’s “guideposts” from State Farm v. Campbell for assessing whether a punitive award is excessive and erred in allowing an award with an 88:1 ratio of punitive-to-compensatory damages.
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry joined the U.S. Chamber in filing this brief.
Richard J. Sapp and Ryan G. Koopmans of Nyemaster Goode PC served as counsel for the amici in this case.
Case Documents
- Opinion -- Thornton v. American Interstate Insurance (Iowa District Court).pdf
- U.S. Chamber Amicus Brief -- Thornton v. American Insurance (Iowa Supreme Court).pdf
- Opinion -- Thornton v. American Insurance (Iowa Supreme Court).pdf