Miller v. General Motors Corp.

Plaintiff, Michael J. Miller, filed a two-count complaint against defendant, General Motors, alleging both negligence (count I) and wilful and wanton misconduct (count II) based upon injuries plaintiff suffered to his right hand. These injuries occurred when plaintiff touched a live wire approximately 13 feet off the ground while trespassing on defendant’s property. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff on both counts, awarding him $2 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages. However, the jury also found plaintiff to be 25% contributorily negligent.…