Date: 03-15-1999

Case Style: Regina Jones v. Tom Troncalli

Case Number: A98A2143

Judge: Conner

Court: State Court, Gwinnett County, Georgia

Plaintiff's Attorney: David S. Currie of Gray & Gilliland, Atlanta, Georgia

Defendant's Attorney: John C. Bach and Robert J. Hulsey of Bach, Hulsey & Carver, Alpharetta, Georgia

Description: Stalking - Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress - Regina Jones sued Tom Troncalli. Her complaint set forth one count of stalking; a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress; a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress; a claim for invasion of privacy; and a claim for assault and battery. In addition to the claim for compensatory damages, the complaint sought punitive damages.

Outcome: The trial court directed a verdict on the claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress. The jury then returned a general verdict in Jones' favor for $45,000 in compensatory damages; the jury also found that punitive damages were warranted by the evidence and that Troncalli had acted with specific intent to cause harm. The punitive damages portion of the trial was then held and the jury awarded $245,891 in punitive damages.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: Reversed by the Georgia Court of Appeals on the grounds that stalking is not a tort in Georgia. See: 514 S.E.2d 478, 237 Ga. App. 10 (1999). The above date reflects the appellate court decision date, not the original trial date. Reported by kkm.