2006 Utah Code - 78-18-1 — Basis for punitive damages awards -- Section inapplicable to DUI cases -- Division of award with state.

     78-18-1.   Basis for punitive damages awards -- Section inapplicable to DUI cases -- Division of award with state.
     (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided by statute, punitive damages may be awarded only if compensatory or general damages are awarded and it is established by clear and convincing evidence that the acts or omissions of the tortfeasor are the result of willful and malicious or intentionally fraudulent conduct, or conduct that manifests a knowing and reckless indifference toward, and a disregard of, the rights of others.
     (b) The limitations, standards of evidence, and standards of conduct of Subsection (1)(a) do not apply to any claim for punitive damages arising out of the tortfeasor's operation of a motor vehicle or motorboat while voluntarily intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or combination of alcohol and drugs as prohibited by Section 41-6a-502.
     (c) The award of a penalty under Section 78-11-15 or 78-11-16 regarding shoplifting is not subject to the prior award of compensatory or general damages under Subsection (1)(a) whether or not restitution has been paid to the merchant prior to or as a part of a civil action under Section 78-11-15 or 78-11-16.
     (2) Evidence of a party's wealth or financial condition shall be admissible only after a finding of liability for punitive damages has been made.
     (a) Discovery concerning a party's wealth or financial condition may only be allowed after the party seeking punitive damages has established a prima facie case on the record that an award of punitive damages is reasonably likely against the party about whom discovery is sought and, if disputed, the court is satisfied that the discovery is not sought for the purpose of harassment.
     (b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to any claim for punitive damages arising out of the tortfeasor's operation of a motor vehicle or motorboat while voluntarily intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or combination of alcohol and drugs as prohibited by Section 41-6a-502.
     (3) (a) In any case where punitive damages are awarded, the judgment shall provide that 50% of the amount of the punitive damages in excess of $20,000 shall, after an allowable deduction for the payment of attorneys' fees and costs, be remitted by the judgment debtor to the state treasurer for deposit into the General Fund.
     (b) For the purposes of this Subsection (3), an "allowable deduction for the payment of attorneys' fees and costs" shall equal the amount of actual and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred by the judgment creditor minus the amount of any separate judgment awarding attorneys' fees and costs to the judgment creditor.
     (c) The state shall have all rights due a judgment creditor until the judgment is satisfied, and stand on equal footing with the judgment creditor of the original case in securing a recovery.
     (d) Unless all affected parties, including the state, expressly agree otherwise or the application is contrary to the terms of the judgment, any payment on the judgment by or on behalf of any judgment debtor, whether voluntary or by execution or otherwise, shall be applied in the following order:
     (i) compensatory damages, and any applicable attorneys fees and costs;
     (ii) the initial $20,000 punitive damages; and
     (iii) the balance of the punitive damages.

Amended by Chapter 48, 2006 General Session