In May 2017, Stewart A. Sutton obtained a $380,806 default judgment for a client who had been stabbed by an acquaintance. The client suffered a punctured stomach, underwent emergency surgery, and was hospitalized for a week. He was left with a conspicuous 6 inch scar on his lower torso.
The defendant pleaded guilty to second degree assault and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injury. The defendant did not file an Answer to the Complaint.
The client was awarded the following damages:
$ 25,678 Past medical expenses;
$ 5,129 Lost wages;
$100,000 Pain, suffering, and disfigurement; and
$250,000 Punitive damages.
Practice pointer for clients: Punitive damages are available in Maryland when you are intentionally injured by another person. Intention torts include assault, battery, invasion of privacy, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Punitive damages cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. See 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(6).
