05/28/2026
Did y’all know that Conversion of Property (like wrongful repossession without the perfection of a UCC-1 filing 😅) carries civil reimbursement that will turn out REALLY FUN for the property owner?!
1. Compensatory Damages
Fair Market Value: The primary remedy is the fair market value of the property at the time and place it was converted, plus interest. Recovery of Property: You can also sue for "claim and delivery" to physically recover the property itself, including compensation for its loss of use or any depreciation.
2. Punitive Damages
If the conversion involved malice, fraud, or a conscious disregard for your rights, you can request punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future bad acts.
Limits: South Carolina law (SC Code § 15-32-530) typically caps punitive damages at \(\text{\$500,000}\) or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater.
Exceptions: The cap is lifted entirely if the defendant intended to harm you, was convicted of a felony related to the act, or had their judgment substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time.
Cap is LIFTED if the Defendant intended to harm you…and you can prove it. 😂
