The following section from Day on Torts Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law​​​ is out of date and should not be used. It remains a part of this site for historical purposes only. An updated version of the book is available by subscription at www.birddoglaw.com. (Additional information below.)

§46.3 Damages

The Case: Pullen v. Textron, Inc. , 845 S.W.2d 777 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1992).

The Basic Facts: Plaintiff filed a suit for malicious prosecution against the defendants. The court directed verdict in favor of defendants with regard to the plaintiff's claim based on a prior civil proceeding, but allowed the plaintiff's claim with regard to a prior criminal prosecution related to the same matter to go to the jury. The jury returned a verdict awarding the plaintiff damages in the amount of $45,000.00 in compensatory damages and $150,000.00 in punitive damages.

The Bottom Line:

  • "This was a suit for malicious prosecution and the elements of damages recoverable in a malicious prosecution suit are those which 'proximately result to the plaintiff, his person, property, or reputation from a previous unsuccessful civil or criminal proceeding which was prosecuted without probable cause and with malice.' Ryerson v. American Surety Co., [373 S.W.2d 436, 437 (Tenn. 1963)]." 845 S.W.2d at 780.
  • "In this case the proof showed that the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Mr. Pullen in the prior criminal proceeding were minimal. Mr. Pullen spent approximately $450.00 for attorney's fees and a bond in connection with the criminal prosecution. He missed three days from work at a cost of approximately $180.00 per day. The Daily Herald, a Columbia, Tennessee newspaper, carried an item concerning Mr. Pullen's arrest on page 2. This item measured one-half inch by two inches and simply stated that he had been charged with passing a worthless check in excess of $100.00 and that bond had been set at $1,000.00. There was testimony that Mr. Pullen's family was upset by the criminal proceeding." Id.
  • "The proof showed that in April 1990, Mr. Pullen lost his job when his employer closed its Nashville terminal. There is nothing in the record to show that the loss of this job had anything to do with the actions of Textron. Mr. Pullen was out of work for some thirteen months and during that time he sent out resumes but received no responses. The proof produced by Mr. Pullen on this point showed that some potential employers check records that might reveal a criminal arrest. However, there was no proof that any potential employer had checked any record in Mr. Pullen's case or that his arrest on the insufficient funds check had any part in his failure to obtain work during that thirteen month period." Id.
  • "We are of the opinion that the material evidence does not support an award of $45,000.00 in compensatory damages and that under the circumstances, it is excessive and indicates that the jury was motivated by passion, prejudice or caprice." Id.

After an accident, many injury victims and their families want more information on the accident and their legal rights. Consequently, many of them have found their way to these pages. While we are happy you are here, please understand Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law was written to be a quick, invaluable reference for Tennessee tort lawyers. While the book provides the leading case for more than 300 tort law subjects and thousands of related case citations, it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

Rather than researching these legal issues alone, we urge you to contact one of our award-winning lawyers who can sit down with you, review your case, answer your questions and clearly explain your rights and your options in a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced attorneys handle all personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if we win. If for any reason you are unable to come to our office, we will gladly come to you.

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The foregoing is an excerpt from Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law, published by John A. Day, Civil Trial Specialist, Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, recipient of Best Lawyers in America recognition, Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney, and Top 100 Tennessee Mid-South Super Lawyers designee. Read John’s full bio here.

The book is now available electronically by subscription at www.birddoglaw.com. The new format allows us to keep the book current as new opinions are released. BirdDog Law also has John's Tennessee Law of Civil Trial and Compendium of Tennessee Tort Reform Statutes available by subscription, as well as multiple free resources to help Tennessee lawyers serve their clients

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