§ 1D-25. Limitation of amount of recovery. - North Carolina Statutes

§1D‑25.  Limitation of amount of recovery.

(a)        In all actionsseeking an award of punitive damages, the trier of fact shall determine theamount of punitive damages separately from the amount of compensation for allother damages.

(b)        Punitive damagesawarded against a defendant shall not exceed three times the amount ofcompensatory damages or two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000),whichever is greater.  If a trier of fact returns a verdict for punitivedamages in excess of the maximum amount specified under this subsection, thetrial court shall reduce the award and enter judgment for punitive damages inthe maximum amount.

(c)        The provisions ofsubsection (b) of this section shall not be made known to the trier of factthrough any means, including voir dire, the introduction into evidence,argument, or instructions to the jury. (1995, c. 514, s. 1.)