Harrell v. Ames

This is an action for personal injuries sustained when plaintiff’s car was hit head-on by a drunken driver. The primary issue on this appeal is whether a jury verdict- for $25,000 in punitive damages was proper. Defendant does not deny liability for plaintiff’s injuries and has already paid the jury verdict for .$50,000 in general damages and $20,000 in .special damages. We affirm.

This tragedy occurred on New Tear’s Eve,- December 31, 1969, near Brookings, in Curry County. Defendant and her husband started early in preparations for that occasion. At about 5:00 or 5:30 p.m., according to her…