Md. high court overturns jury award in Exxon case

In two rulings issued Tuesday, the Court of Appeals of Maryland also ordered new trials in the cases related to the spill. In the larger of the two cases involving approximately 150 families and businesses, a jury in 2011 awarded $1 billion in punitive damages and $495 million in compensatory damages after a trial that lasted months. Seven judges sitting on the court overruled the punitive damages, saying they could only be awarded if the plaintiffs proved Exxon had intended to act wrongfully.

The judges said that the Irving, Texas-based company could have done a better job communicating with residents during cleanup from the spill. But the court said plaintiffs didn't show clear and convincing evidence that Exxon intended to mislead anyone or that they were harmed by relying on any statements the company made.

In addition, the court overturned awards the jury handed out for emotional distress and awards related to property values. The court said some residents were awarded money for emotional distress but didn't provide evidence their wells were contaminated. A few had contaminated wells but didn't show any injury linked to contaminated water. Some residents were improperly awarded money based on the fear that their property values would decline. Others got awards even though wells on their property were not found to be contaminated.