Hibschman Pontiac, Inc. v. Batchelor

362 N.E. 2d 845 (Ind. 1977)

Facts

Batchelor (P) relied on the representation of Hibschman's (D) employees that D had an excellent service department and bought a car from D. The car had numerous defects and had to be serviced at least 20 times. D repeatedly assured P that his car had been repaired; many of the items had not been touched. P took the car elsewhere, and it was quickly fixed. P sued Pontiac (D1) and D for breach of warranty. P requested punitive damages against D. P was awarded $1,500 in damages and $15,000 for punitives. D appealed and the punitive damages were denied. P appealed.