Inman v. Ken Hyatt Chrysler Plymouth, Inc.

Gregory, Justice:

Respondent Inman commenced this action against appellant Ken Hyatt Chrysler Plymouth, Inc. (Dealer) for fraud and a violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, S. C. Code Ann. § 39-5-20 (1985) (UTPA). The jury returned a verdict for Inman for $2,500 actual damages plus $100,000 punitive damages for fraud 1 and $2,500 actual damages for the UTPA violation. The trial judge doubled the UTPA award and allowed $4,000 attorney’s fees as permitted by § 39-5-140(a). We reverse in part and affirm in part.

Inman bought a 1986 Chrysler Fifth Avenue from Dealer for…