Automobile Fraud: 10.4.7.4 Punitive Damages When There Are Multiple Defendants
Even if several defendants are jointly liable for a wrong, their liability for punitive damages is individual, not joint. Punitive damages are based on individual culpability and are intended to punish a particular offender.261 Thus punitive damages may be awarded separately against each responsible individual,262 and a settlement with one defendant does not affect the punitive damages liability of the remaining defendants.263