Lowe Excavating Co. v. International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 150

The defendant, International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 150 (the Union), appeals from the January 12, 2004, and April 16, 2004, orders of the circuit court of McHenry County awarding the plaintiff, Lowe Excavating Co., $525,000 in punitive damages. On appeal, the Union argues that punitive damages were inappropriate and, alternatively, that the amount awarded was excessive. Lowe Excavating cross-appeals from these same orders, arguing that the amount awarded was inadequate.

I. BACKGROUND

The facts of the present case are well known by the parties and this court. Therefore, we…