Taylor v. Superior Court
Supreme Court of California
598 P.2d 854 (1979)
Relevant factsFree
Taylor (plaintiff) sued Stille (defendant) for injuries from a collision, alleging Stille was driving while intoxicated, that Stille was an alcoholic with a habit of drunk driving, and that Stille had previously caused a serious accident while intoxicated. Taylor sought both compensatory and punitive damages, arguing Stille acted with conscious disregard for Taylor's safety. The Superior Court dismissed the punitive damages claim, and Taylor petitioned for a writ of mandamus to reinstate it.
IssueFree
Whether a plaintiff may pursue punitive damages against a defendant whose injuries resulted from the defendant's decision to drive while intoxicated.