Child molested by stepfather: Assault: Psychological injury: Verdict: Punitive damages

Law Reporter, Apr 2000

Bollinger v. Burks, Ky., Jefferson County Cir. Ct., No. 98 CI 00482, Dec. 23, 1999.

Bollinger, 3, was molested by his stepfather, Burks. The molestation continued for seven years until Bollinger's mother found out. Subsequently, Burks was convicted of sodomy and sentenced to prison. While Bollinger did suffer some physical injuries, the majority were psychological, some of which are permanent.

Bollinger later sued Burks for assault, alleging defendant had raped him approximately 1,350 times.

After the court ordered a directed verdict for plaintiff, a jury awarded him approximately $30.52 million, including $17 million punitive damages.

Plaintiff's Counsel

Gregory Ward Butrum, Louisville, Ky.