Texas Supreme Court

Azar Nut Company, Petitioner v. Lorretta Caille, Respondent

July 8, 198730 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 566

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' judgment, holding that punitive damages are recoverable under Workers’ Compensation Act § 8307c. The Court based its decision on legislative intent, the definition of "reasonable," and policy considerations. A concurring and dissenting opinion by Justice Spears, joined by Chief Judge Hill and Justice Campbell, agreed with the award of actual damages but rejected punitive damages. Justice Campbell also filed a separate concurrence dissenting from the punitive damages holding.