Stephenson v. Bryce W. Hotard Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

*192Relators, Bryce W. Hotard Sunbelt Rentals, Inc., and Travelers Property and Casualty Company of America, filed a motion for partial summary judgment requesting dismissal of plaintiff's punitive damage claims under La. Civ. Code art. 2315.4. A divided five-judge panel of the court of appeal denied writs. Relators now seek relief in this court.

The general public policy in Louisiana is against punitive damages. Ross v. Conoco, Inc. , 02-0299 (La. 10/15/02), 828 So.2d 546, 555. Even when a statute does authorize the imposition of punitive damages, it is strictly construed. Chauvin v. Exxon Mobil…