Franz v. Brennan

This cause of action arose out of an automobile accident where Rick Brennan (Rick) was found causally negligent. His parents, Douglas and Alice Brennan (the Brennans), were held liable for the plaintiffs damages under the sponsorship statute, sec. 343.15(2), Stats., as Rick was a minor at the time of the accident.

The following issues are raised: (1) whether the trial court erred in finding the evidence insufficient to support an award of punitive damages; (2) whether evidence of the Brennans’ wealth was improperly excluded; (3) whether the trial court erred in failing to inform the jury of…