Worthy v. . Knight

The doctrine of punitive damages occupies a rather anomalous position in our law.

In the first place, such damages are not recoverable as a matter of right. Hodges v. Hall, 172 N. C., 29, 89 S. E., 802. They are allowable only in cases of malicious, wanton, and reckless injury; and, even then, they go to the plaintiff merely because they are assessed in bis suit. Cotton v. Fisheries Co., 181 N. C., 151, 106 S. E., 487; Osborn v. Leach, 135 N. C., 628, 47 S. E., 811; Waters v. Lumber Co., 115 N. C., 648, 20 S. E., 718.

Second: Punitive damages may not be awarded unless otherwise a cause of…