Tant v. Dan River, Inc.

We granted certiorari to review a portion of the decision of the Court of Appeals reported at 286 S. C. 140, 332 S. E. (2d) 534 (Ct. App. 1985). We reverse.

Homeowners (petitioners) brought suit against Dan River, Inc., (respondent) for negligence in permitting its boiler system to emit a black sooty material which damaged their homes and property. A jury awarded the homeowners actual and punitive damages. The Court of Appeals reversed the awards of punitive damages, finding there was no evidence to warrant submission of punitive damages to the jury. We disagree.

In reviewing a motion for…