SMITH, Chief Judge.
Ecclesiastical Denzel Washington brought suit against Larry Denney, Ronda Pash, Cynthia Prudden, and Cheryl Richey, corrections officials (collectively, corrections officials) at Crossroads Correctional Center (Crossroads), for violation of his Eighth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Specifically, he alleged that these officials were deliberately indifferent to his serious medical need by failing to take reasonable steps to abate the risk of harm that secondhand smoke poses to him. He alleged that his long history of asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbates these risks. The jury found in Washingtons favor and awarded him $40,000 in compensatory damages and imposed a total of $71,000 in punitive damages as follows: $20,000 against Denney; $25,000 against Pash; $25,000 against Prudden; and $1,000 against Richey. The officials appeal, arguing that (1) Washington failed to offer sufficient evidence to prove that they violated his clearly established Eighth Amendment rights and, therefore, they are entitled to qualified immunity; and (2) punitive damages were improper because Washington failed to show that they were motivated by evil motive or intent or showed callous indifference to his Eighth Amendment rights.
We hold that sufficient evidence exists that the officials violated Washingtons Eighth Amendment rights, but we conclude that insufficient evidence justifies an award of punitive damages. Accordingly, we affirm the jurys finding that the officials were deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need by failing to take reasonable steps to abate the risk of harm that secondhand smoke poses to him. We vacate the award of punitive damages and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
I. Background
We recite the facts in the light most favorable to the jurys verdict. United States v. Payne-Owens , 845 F.3d 868, 870 n.2 (8th Cir. 2017) (quoting United States v. Stevens , 439 F.3d 983, 986 (8th Cir. 2006) ).
Washington suffers from chronic asthma and bronchitis. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 340-41, Washington v. Denney , No. 5:14-cv-06118-NKL (W.D. Mo. Apr. 11, 2017), ECF No. 184. His asthmatic attacks are very painful and are preceded by wheezing, chest pains, and coughing. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 37, Washington v. Denney , No. 5:14-cv-06118-NKL (W.D. Mo. Apr. 10, 2017), ECF No. 183. These attacks are more frequent when Washington is exposed to tobacco smoke.
In 2010, Washington was transferred to Crossroads. At that time, Denney was Crossroadss warden, Pash was Crossroadss deputy warden, Prudden was the Missouri Department of Corrections Deputy Director for the Division of Adult Institutions, and Richey was Washingtons case manager.
Over 85 percent of prisoners at Crossroads smoke. The Missouri Department of Corrections has a smoking policy that prohibits smoking in any building and within 25 feet from any entryway, which applies to Crossroads. Staff and offenders have designated areas in which they smoke outside at Crossroads; those designated areas are the recreational yards for offenders and the walkways for staff. Crossroads also has offender rules consistent with the smoking policy. While sometimes the smoking policy is enforced, Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 46, the policy is routinely violated, Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 286. Prisoners are confined to their cells for 18 to 21 hours per day, and Crossroads allows prisoners to keep cigarettes, tobacco, rolling papers, rolling machines, and lighters in their cells. Corrections officers can smell smoke all the time in housing units. Id.
Shortly after Washington arrived at Crossroads, the medical staff enrolled him in the asthma chronic care clinic. His treatments included nebulizers and inhalers. They also included lay-ins, which are nonpharmaceutical prescriptions that doctors at Crossroads order. Washingtons lay-ins required that he be housed with nonsmoking roommates and given a painters mask to protect him from smoke. Despite Washingtons treatments and lay-ins, secondhand smoke continued to cause Washington to suffer asthma symptoms and attacks.
Washington sent letters to Denney, Pash, and Richey to alert them of the smoking in Crossroadss housing units. He also raised the issue to Denney and Richey verbally. When Denney, Pash, and Richey ignored him, Washington began filing informal resolution requests (IRRs), the first step in Crossroadss grievance procedure. On March 13, 2014, Washington filed an IRR about [how] the staff was not enforcing the no-smoking policy or following the doctors orders. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 53. Washington complained that his cellmate was smoking in the cell. He also described how he had suffered an asthmatic attack from exposure to the secondhand smoke and explained that the secondhand smoke was still repeatedly recycled, coming through the ventilation system. Id. at 55. Washington directed the IRR to Denney, Page, and Pash. When Washingtons IRR was denied, he appealed by filing a grievance. Denney denied the grievance, stating, Your allegation of tobacco limitation restrictions not being enforced has been refuted and found to be without merit. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 231. Washington appealed Denneys decision to Prudden, but she denied the appeal.
On May 28, 2014, Washington filed a second IRR after corrections officers took away the mask that doctors had prescribed Washington to reduce his smoke exposure. Washingtons IRR was denied, and he appealed to Denney. Denney did not dispute the medical staffs orders or that the mask had been taken, but he found no evidence to substantiate [Washingtons] claim that he was denied medical care as a result of not being allowed to possess a face mask to protect [himself] from secondhand tobacco smoke. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 251-52. Denney explained, On May 29, 2014, you submitted a request for reasonable accommodation form requesting to be issued a face mask. It has been determined that a face mask ... is not a necessity, and you shall not be allowed to possess the same. Id. at 252. Denney recited that tobacco use is prohibited in the housing units and advised Washington, Should you observe anyone violating this policy, I recommend that you report it immediately to a staff member. Id. Washington appealed Denneys decision to Prudden, who denied it. Prudden advised Washington that he did not need the face mask because CRCC is a nonsmoking environment, stating that the housing units at CRCC are considered a nonsmoking environment. CRCC staff will make every effort to ensure that Policy D2-11.9, Tobacco Use Limitations, is adhered to, and staff will issue conduct violations to an offender if he is caught smoking in the housing unit. This should resolve your complaint. Id. at 304.
On May 5, 2015, Washington filed an IRR asking to be transferred to another cell because his cellmate smoked. Medical staff had ordered that he have a nonsmoking cellmate to protect him from secondhand smoke. Despite the order, Washington was consistently housed with smokers. When Washington told this cellmate he had asthma and was allergic to secondhand smoke, the cellmate wrote a letter to Page, telling Page that he smoked. Washington and the cellmate spoke with a caseworker, who replied that the issue would be resolved. When asked if the IRR was then handled, and [Washingtons cellmate] was moved, Washington responded that this IRR wasnt handled because [he] had to go back and file another one to medical because [he] had an asthmatic attack, and [the cellmate] was still in the cell and smoking. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 62. According to Washington, he had to file another [IRR] to request that they move him from the cell. Id.
On May 11, 2015, Washington filed another IRR requesting a nonsmoking cellmate. Washington again referred to the medical staffs order that he be housed with a nonsmoker. The responding officer informed Washington that the medical staffs orders requiring him to have a nonsmoking cellmate were discontinued, as Crossroads Correctional Center is a nonsmoking facility. Id. at 80. Washington appealed by filing a grievance, but his grievance was denied.
On June 17, 2015, Washington filed yet another IRR asking to be housed with a nonsmoking cellmate. Because his lay-in for a nonsmoking cellmate was discontinued, his IRR was denied. The responding officer found that Washingtons medical need ha[s] been met. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 275. Washingtons grievance and appeal were also denied.
On December 1, 2015, Washington filed an IRR asking Crossroads to move the facilitys designated smoking area away from the medical clinic. He complained that the walkway leading to the clinics door required him to pass smokers on his way to get breathing treatments. After his IRR was denied, Washington filed a grievance detailing his concerns and their effects on this asthma. Pash denied the grievance because she found that the designated smoking area conformed to Crossroadss smoking policy. Washington appealed to Prudden. Prudden denied the appeal, explaining that the response that Washington received adequately addressed [his] complaint and stating that [t]he staff smoking area is appropriately located 25 feet from the entrance to the medical unit. Id. at 307. According to Prudden, Washington failed to provide any additional evidence to support [his] claim. Id.
Washington brought suit against the corrections officials for violation of his Eighth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Specifically, he alleged that these officials were deliberately indifferent to his serious medical need by failing to take reasonable steps to abate the risk of harm that secondhand smoke poses to him. He alleged that his long history of asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbates these risks. The corrections officials moved for summary judgment, arguing that they were entitled to qualified immunity because no evidence existed that the corrections officials were deliberately indifferent to Washingtons conditions of confinement. The district court denied the motion.
The case proceeded to trial. After the close of Washingtons case-in-chief, the corrections officials moved for judgment as a matter of law (JML). See Fed. R. Civ. P. 50(a)(1). They did not reassert qualified immunity, but instead argued that Washington failed to present sufficient evidence that they acted with deliberate indifference in failing to take reasonable measures to abate the risk of injury to Washington from secondhand smoke. They also contended that Washington failed to present sufficient evidence that he suffered harm as a direct result of their alleged failure. After the defense rested, they again moved for judgment as a matter of law on the same grounds. See id. Again, the motion did not mention qualified immunity. The district court took the corrections officials motion under advisement.
The jury found in Washingtons favor and awarded $40,000 in compensatory damages and imposed a total of $71,000 in punitive damages as follows: $20,000 against Denney; $25,000 against Pash; $25,000 against Prudden; and $1,000 against Richey. The district court entered judgment consistent with the jurys verdict. The corrections officials then renewed their motion for judgment as a matter of law and moved for a new trial. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 50(b) ; Fed. R. Civ. P. 59. In addition to raising the arguments previously made in their Rule 50(a) motions, the corrections officials also argued that Washington failed to present sufficient evidence of outrageous, intentional, or malicious conduct to justify submission of a jury instruction for punitive damages to the jury. The corrections officials did not mention qualified immunity in their motion or opening brief. Instead, in their reply brief in support of their motion, they asserted for the first time that they did not violate Washingtons clearly established constitutional rights.
The district court denied the corrections officials Rule 50(b) and Rule 59 motions. The district court found that Washington sufficiently proved that he suffered from an objectively serious medical need and that the corrections officials knew of the need but deliberately disregarded it. The court also concluded that sufficient evidence supported the punitive damages award. The court declined to consider the corrections officials argument that they did not violate Washingtons clearly established rights because they did not raise qualified immunity in their opening brief.
II. Discussion
The corrections officials appeal, arguing that (1) they are entitled to qualified immunity because Washington failed to offer sufficient evidence to prove that they violated his clearly established Eighth Amendment rights to be free from deliberate indifference to his serious medical need; and (2) punitive damages were improper because Washington failed to show that they were motivated by evil motive or intent or callous indifference to his Eighth Amendment rights.
We review de novo a district courts denial of a motion for judgment as a matter of law, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict. We review a motion for a new trial for abuse of discretion. Smiley v. Gary Crossley Ford, Inc. , 859 F.3d 545, 552 (8th Cir. 2017) (quoting Barkley, Inc. v. Gabriel Bros., Inc. , 829 F.3d 1030, 1042 (8th Cir. 2016) ).
[T]he law places a high standard on overturning a jury verdict because of the danger that the jurys rightful province will be invaded when judgment as a matter of law is misused. Bavlsik v. Gen. Motors, LLC , 870 F.3d 800, 805 (8th Cir. 2017) (alteration in original) (quoting Hunt v. Neb. Pub. Power Dist. , 282 F.3d 1021, 1029 (8th Cir. 2002) ), cert. denied , --- U.S. ----, 138 S. Ct. 1991, --- L.Ed.2d ---- (2018). We are hesitant to interfere with a jury verdict, as reflected in the analysis for considering renewed JML motions. Id. The applicable standard provides:
In ruling on a motion for [judgment as a matter of law], the district court must (1) consider the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party, (2) assume that all conflicts in the evidence were resolved in favor of the prevailing party, (3) assume as proved all facts that the prevailing partys evidence tended to prove, and (4) give the prevailing party the benefit of all favorable inferences that may reasonably be drawn from the facts proved. That done, the court must then deny the motion if reasonable persons could differ as to the conclusions to be drawn from the evidence.
Haynes v. Bee-Line Trucking Co. , 80 F.3d 1235, 1238 (8th Cir. 1996) (alteration in original) (quoting TEC Floor Corp. v. Wal-Mart Stores , 4 F.3d 599, 601 (8th Cir. 1993) ).
A. Deliberate Indifference
The corrections officials appellate brief makes the same substantive argument as their Rule 50(a) and 50(b) motions-Washington failed to present sufficient evidence that they acted with deliberate indifference in failing to take reasonable measures to abate the risk of injury to Washington from secondhand smoke.
To prove deliberate indifference, Washington had to show that he suffered from an objectively serious medical need and that the corrections officials acted with a sufficiently culpable state of mind, namely, that they actually knew of, but deliberately disregarded, [his] medical need[ ]. Krout v. Goemmer , 583 F.3d 557, 567 (8th Cir. 2009) (quoting Farmer v. Brennan , 511 U.S. 825, 834, 114 S.Ct. 1970, 128 L.Ed.2d 811 (1994) ). The corrections officials do not dispute that Washington has an objectively serious medical need to be kept free from exposure to secondhand smoke; instead, they argue that they lacked culpable states of mind and responded reasonably to the substantial risk of harm to Washington.
To satisfy the subjective prong, Washington had to prove that the corrections officials recognized that a substantial risk of harm existed and knew that their conduct was inappropriate in light of that risk. Id. (citations omitted). It is a question of fact [w]hether a prison official had the requisite knowledge of a substantial risk; this may be proven through circumstantial evidence, including inference from circumstantial evidence, and a factfinder may conclude that a prison official knew of a substantial risk from the very fact that the risk was obvious. Farmer , 511 U.S. at 842, 114 S.Ct. 1970 (citations omitted). It is not enough merely to find that a reasonable person would have known [about the risk], or that the defendant should have known.... Id. at 843 n.8, 114 S.Ct. 1970. While ... deliberate indifference entails something more than mere negligence ... it is satisfied by something less than acts or omissions for the very purpose of causing harm or with knowledge that harm will result. Id. at 835, 114 S.Ct. 1970. [A] prison official cannot be found liable under the Eighth Amendment for denying an inmate humane conditions of confinement unless the official knows of and disregards an excessive risk to inmate health or safety. Id . at 837, 114 S.Ct. 1970. This means that the official must both be aware of facts from which the inference could be drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and he must also draw the inference. Id . An officials inadequate response to a risk may support an inference that the offic[ial] recognized the inappropriateness of his conduct. Krout , 583 F.3d at 567.
But prison officials who actually knew of a substantial risk to inmate health or safety may be found free from liability if they responded reasonably to the risk, even if the harm ultimately was not averted. Farmer , 511 U.S. at 844, 114 S.Ct. 1970. [P]rison officials who act reasonably cannot be found liable under the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause. Id. at 845, 114 S.Ct. 1970. But [i]t does not follow ... that an unreasonable response-i.e., a negligent response-is sufficient to establish liability. Krout , 583 F.3d at 567. The plaintiff must show that the officers were deliberately indifferent in their response to the perceived risk. Id. at 568 (citation omitted).
The corrections officials concede they were aware that Washington claimed that he had asthma and that he claimed he had cellmates smoking in his cell, which exacerbated that condition. Appellants Br. at 16. But they argue that Washington failed to prove that they drew an inference that a substantial risk of serious harm existed to Washington based on these facts. First, they assert they changed Washingtons cellmate on two occasions in response to his grievances. Second, they contend that Prudden and Denney denied Washingtons grievance related to the surgical mask because prison staff determined it was a security issue and medical personnel determined it unnecessary. Id. at 16-17 (citing Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 315 (Masks determined to be custody risk and were removed from patients possession by custody. Patient educated. Medical director discussed and determined to not be necessary.) ). Third, they maintain that when Richey discussed an IRR with Washington, she informed him that he could find a nonsmoking cellmate who would agree to cell with him. She also advised him to report any violations of the smoking policy to custody staff so staff could write a violation. They maintain that while Richey could do cell assignments, she rarely did, and no evidence exists that she assigned any of the smoking cellmates to Washingtons cell. Fourth, the corrections officials note that none of them prevented Washington from receiving medical care, including his medication and breathing treatments. Finally, while they acknowledge that Washington asked them to change the smoking policy to ban tobacco products at Crossroads, the corrections officials argue that Washington failed to prove they could do so. They contend they could only enforce the existing policy, direct their subordinates to enforce the policy, and direct the offenders to follow the policy.
In light of the high standard on overturning a jury verdict, we conclude that legally sufficient evidence ... support[s] the jurys liability finding. Bavlsik , 870 F.3d at 805 (citation omitted). First, sufficient evidence supports the jurys finding that Denney was deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need. Washington proved that Denney knew of the serious risk tobacco smoke posed to Washingtons health. Denney testified that he knew Washington has asthma and chronic bronchitis. He confirmed that Washington has been vocal with staff of Crossroads about the secondhand smoke that goes on. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 240. He also stipulated knowing that Washington required a nonsmoking cellmate as part of his medical treatment plan since at least as early as 2010. Id. at 342. Washington testified he alerted Denney to the smoking problem at Crossroads both verbally and via letter prior to filing his IRRs. He then filed at least three grievances with Denney in which Washington attributed his asthmatic attacks to secondhand smoke. Denney admitted reviewing these grievances.
Sufficient evidence also exists that Denney disregarded the risk that secondhand smoke poses to Washingtons health. For instance, Washington complained about a cellmate smoking in his cell, described how he had suffered an asthmatic attack from exposure to secondhand smoke, and explained that the secondhand smoke was being recycled through the ventilation system. Denney denied Washingtons grievance as without merit, despite admitting that prisoners did smoke in their cells and corrections officers violated the smoking policy. Denney admitted he never conducted any tests to determine the levels of environmental tobacco smoke in the housing units to verify Washingtons complaint. Id. at 225. Despite acknowledging he developed the standard operating procedures based upon the departmental guidelines, Denney testified that he did not recall ever considering the possibility of provid[ing] matches or lighters near the receptacles outside instead of permitting prisoners to have lighters in their cells. Id. at 225, 240. Denney admitted having access to Washingtons lay-ins for a nonsmoking cellmate but still permitting Washington to be housed with offenders who were known smokers.
Second, sufficient evidence supports the jurys finding that Pash was deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need. As with Denney, Washington proved that Pash knew secondhand smoke was a serious risk to Washingtons health. Pash testified that she knew Washington had been treated for asthma. Pash admitted knowing that Washington had filed grievances about the indoor smoking that goes on at Crossroads and that Washington ha[d] been vocal about his concerns about secondhand smoke at Crossroads. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 139, 148-49. Washington testified he alerted Pash to the smoking problem at Crossroads via letter prior to filing his IRRs. Through the grievance process, Washington informed Pash that the ventilation system circulated secondhand smoke through the housing units. His grievances also asserted staff was ignoring his lay-in for a nonsmoking cellmate. In addition, his grievances informed Pash that the smoking areas proximity to the medical facility prevented him from avoiding secondhand smoke. Pashs signature appears on the grievance form immediately below Washingtons handwritten notes linking secondhand smoke at Crossroads to his asthmatic attacks.
As with Denney, sufficient evidence exists that Pash disregarded the risk that secondhand smoke poses to Washingtons health. Pash admitted receiving violations stating that prisoners smoke in their cells yet never conducting any studies [on] whether environmental tobacco smoke exists in the housing units at Crossroads. Id. at 129. She admitted knowing that Washington had a lay-in and restriction for a no-smoking roommate from September 12, 2014, to September 12, 2015, but she acknowledged that Washington was regularly celled with prisoners who violated the smoking policy. Id. at 141. She acknowledged prisoners are allowed to have lighters and cigarettes in their possession at Crossroads and in their cells. Id. at 131. When asked whether she could change the policy, she replied, I could try to pilot something, I guess. Id. Pash admitted she denied all of Washingtons grievances, referring him to the smoking policy.
Third, sufficient evidence supports the jurys finding that Prudden was deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need. Washington proved that Prudden knew secondhand smoke was a serious risk to Washingtons health. Prudden reviewed and responded to at least three grievance appeals that Washington filed concerning secondhand smoke at Crossroads. She admitted that Washington generally claimed in these grievance appeals that his asthma was exacerbated by offenders smoking indoors. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 302. Prudden acknowledged in her disposition of Washingtons grievance appeal that Washington was claim[ing] that the custody staff has failed to enforce the ban on tobacco usage in state buildings. Id. at 293. In another disposition, Prudden acknowledged Washingtons claim that he was not being permitted by custody staff to have a face mask that was approved by medical to protect against the tobacco smoke in his housing unit. Id. at 301.
Washington also produced sufficient evidence that Prudden disregarded the risk that secondhand smoke poses to Washingtons health. Prudden denied each of Washingtons grievance appeals. Prudden testified that although she investigates some of the grievance appeals on which she rules, she did not investigate any of Washingtons grievance appeals. Despite not contacting anyone at Crossroads to inquire about Washingtons conditions, Prudden disposed of Washingtons appeal on one occasion by reciting that Crossroads is a nonsmoking environment with a tobacco-use limitations policy in place that should resolve [his] complaint. Id. at 304.
Finally, sufficient evidence supports the jurys finding that Richey was deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need. Washington proved that Richey knew secondhand smoke was a serious risk to Washingtons health. Washington testified he alerted Richey to the smoking problem at Crossroads via letter prior to filing his IRRs. Richey admitted knowing that Washington needed to be kept away from tobacco smoke and knowing that Crossroadss medical staff had ordered a lay-in for Washington to be assigned a nonsmoking cellmate. She acknowledged a conversation with Washington in which he asked her to move him to a different cell with a nonsmoking cellmate and their discussion of Washingtons IRR in which he complained of prisoners smoking in their cells.
The jury also had sufficient evidence from which it could reasonably conclude that Richey disregarded the risk that secondhand smoke poses to Washingtons health. Richey admitted that she was responsible for assigning Washingtons cellmates. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. III, at 382, Washington v. Denney , No. 5:14-cv-06118-NKL (W.D. Mo. Apr. 12, 2017), ECF No. 185 (That fell under my job duties. I did not do a lot of those, but yes, ultimately I could determine where an offender was assigned and moved.). Part of Richeys job duties involved cell assignments when medical placed a bunk restriction on an offender. Id. Despite Washingtons lay-in requiring a nonsmoking cellmate, Richey told Washington upon his request for a nonsmoking cellmate that Crossroads do[esn]t track whether an offender smokes or not. Id. at 383. But Washington produced an exhibit of violation reports documenting who had violated the smoking policy. These violation reports are accessible to most staff by running a query. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. I, at 143.
B. Punitive Damages
The corrections officials also argue that insufficient evidence supports the jurys award of punitive damages because Washington failed to show that their conduct was motivated by an evil motive or intent or involved reckless or callous indifference to Washingtons Eighth Amendment rights.
In a § 1983 case, both compensatory and punitive damages are available upon proper proof. Coleman v. Rahija , 114 F.3d 778, 787 (8th Cir. 1997) (citation omitted). While an award of compensatory damages is mandatory upon a finding of liability, punitive damages are awarded or rejected in a particular case at the discretion of the fact finder once sufficiently serious misconduct by the defendant is shown. Id. (citations omitted). The purpose of a punitive damages award is to punish the defendant for his [or her] willful or malicious conduct and to deter others from similar behavior. Id. (alteration in original) (quoting Memphis Cmty. Sch. Dist. v. Stachura , 477 U.S. 299, 306 n.9, 106 S.Ct. 2537, 91 L.Ed.2d 249 (1986) ). The factfinder focuses on the defendants intent in determining whether to award punitive damages and whether the defendants conduct is of the sort that calls for deterrence and punishment over and above that provided by compensatory awards. Id. (citation omitted).
In Coleman , we set forth the standard for awarding punitive damages in deliberate-indifference cases, applying the § 1983 punitive damages standard: [W]hen the defendants conduct is shown to be motivated by evil motive or intent, or when it involves reckless or callous indifference to the federally protected rights of others. Id. (quoting Walters v. Grossheim , 990 F.2d 381, 385 (8th Cir. 1993) ). Punitive damages punish a defendant for outrageous, intentional, or malicious conduct, and deter similar extreme conduct in the future. Schaub v. VonWald , 638 F.3d 905, 922-23 (8th Cir. 2011) (citing Smith v. Wade , 461 U.S. 30, 54, 103 S.Ct. 1625, 75 L.Ed.2d 632 (1983) ; City of Newport v. Fact Concerts, Inc. , 453 U.S. 247, 266-67, 101 S.Ct. 2748, 69 L.Ed.2d 616 (1981) ). A finding of deliberate indifference to a serious medical need, while establishing liability under § 1983, does not necessitate a finding of callous indifference warranting punitive damages. Coleman , 114 F.3d at 787 (citing Standley v. Chilhowee R-IV Sch. Dist. , 5 F.3d 319, 323 (8th Cir. 1993) (holding defendant was liable under § 1983 for violating plaintiffs First Amendment rights, but concluding there was insufficient evidence that defendants conduct rose to the level of evil motive or reckless or callous indifference to justify punitive damages); Cornell v. Woods , 69 F.3d 1383, 1391 (8th Cir. 1995) (holding prison officials conduct in punishing inmate for exercising his First Amendment rights established liability under § 1983 but did not warrant imposition of punitive damages); Ivey v. Wilson , 832 F.2d 950, 956 (6th Cir. 1987) (holding prison officials acts violated prisoners due process rights and gave rise to § 1983 liability, but punitive damages award was improper because there was no evidence that defendants were acting in bad faith or harbored any ill will towards plaintiff); Walters v. City of Atlanta , 803 F.2d 1135, 1147 (11th Cir. 1986) (upholding jurys finding that defendants were responsible for the racial discrimination plaintiff suffered, but vacating punitive damages award because the record did not show that defendants acted with either the requisite ill will or callous disregard of [plaintiffs] federally protected rights); Lavicky v. Burnett , 758 F.2d 468, 477 (10th Cir. 1985) (holding unlawful search and seizure and taking of plaintiffs property without a hearing gave rise to § 1983 liability, but concluding punitive damages award was properly set aside because there was no evidence of malice, wantonness, or oppressiveness); Soderbeck v. Burnett Cty. , 752 F.2d 285, 289 (7th Cir. 1985) (holding plaintiffs showing of political dismissal was sufficient for compensatory damages, but not punitive damages); Hernandez-Tirado v. Artau , 874 F.2d 866, 872 (1st Cir. 1989) (same) ).
Coleman upheld a compensatory damages award for deliberate indifference to an inmates serious medical need against a prison nurse. Id. The damage award compensated the inmate for the physical pain and mental anguish she experienced resulting from the nurses two-hour delay in transferring the inmate to the hospital for the premature delivery of the inmates child, despite the nurses contention that the inmate would have experienced the same labor in the hospital. Id. But we held that the district court abused its discretion in awarding punitive damages and vacated the district courts punitive damages award to the inmate after reviewing the trial evidence, holding that the nurses conduct was not sufficiently egregious to justify the imposition of punitive damages. Id. at 788 (citation omitted). This was because the nurse had relied on, and attempted to follow, the University physicians instructions in caring for [the inmate]. Id. (citation omitted). We determined that the nurses conduct did not rise to the level calling for punishment and deterrence over and above that provided by the compensatory award. Id. (citing Smith , 461 U.S. at 54, 103 S.Ct. 1625 ; Stachura , 477 U.S. at 310, 106 S.Ct. 2537 ( Section 1983 presupposes that damages that compensate for actual harm ordinarily suffice to deter constitutional violations.) ).
Having reviewed the trial evidence, we conclude that Washington presented no evidence that the corrections officials actions were outrageous, intentional, or malicious to justify imposition of a punitive damages award. See Schaub , 638 F.3d at 922. Like the nurse in Coleman , the corrections officials did rel[y] on the existing smoking policy, which prohibits smoking indoors. See 114 F.3d at 788. With regard to Richey, Washington offered no evidence that Richey intentionally assigned him a smoking cellmate; instead, he testified that he had both smoking and nonsmoking cellmates. Prudden, Pash, and Denney all were supervisors who only reviewed Washingtons grievance appeals-Washington has not identified any conduct that they engaged in toward him beyond their review and denial of those appeals. The facts of this case illustrate the difference between conduct justifying mere liability under the Eighth Amendment and conduct justifying punitive damages under § 1983. Id.
III. Conclusion
Accordingly, we affirm the jurys finding that the officials were deliberately indifferent to Washingtons serious medical need by failing to take reasonable steps to abate the risk of harm that secondhand smoke poses to him. We vacate the award of punitive damages and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Pash became Crossroadss warden upon Denneys retirement.
Prudden still holds this position.
The corrections officials initially phrase their argument in their opening brief as one of qualified immunity: that they were entitled to judgment as a matter of law on Washingtons claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which alleged violations of the Eighth Amendment, because they had qualified immunity, in that Washington failed to prove that these corrections employees violated his clearly established constitutional rights. Appellants Br. at 12. But a party seeking a qualified-immunity defense must continue to urge it during and after trial in order to avoid forfeiting the argument on appeal. Ayers v. City of Cleveland , 773 F.3d 161, 167 (6th Cir. 2014) (citing Ortiz v. Jordan , 562 U.S. 180, 185, 131 S.Ct. 884, 178 L.Ed.2d 703 (2011) ). The record shows that but for a contention in their reply brief to their Rule 50(b) motion that they did not violate Plaintiffs clearly established constitutional rights, Reply Suggestions at 2, Washington v. Denney et al. , No. 5:14-cv-06118-NKL (W.D. Mo. June 5, 2017), ECF No. 192, the corrections officials never renewed their qualified-immunity argument.
We acknowledge that the Supreme Court left open the possibility that a qualified immunity plea raising an issue of a purely legal nature may be preserved for appeal by an unsuccessful motion for summary judgment, and need not be brought up again under Rule 50(b). Plascencia v. Taylor , 514 F. Appx 711, 719 (10th Cir. 2013) (quoting Ortiz , 562 U.S. at 189, 131 S.Ct. 884 ). Here, the corrections officials claims of qualified immunity hardly present purely legal issues capable of resolution with reference only to undisputed facts. Cases fitting that bill typically involve contests not about what occurred, or why an action was taken or omitted, but disputes about the substance and clarity of pre-existing law. Ortiz , 562 U.S. at 189, 131 S.Ct. 884 (citations omitted). Accordingly, we decline to address the corrections officials argument to the extent they claim they are entitled to qualified immunity.
At trial, the parties stipulated that Washingtons medical records indicate he suffers from chronic asthma and bronchitis. Transcript of Jury Trial, Vol. II, at 340-41. They also stipulated that [s]econdhand smoke is known to cause health risks, especially among people with asthma and other breathing difficulties. Id. at 341.
The corrections officials do not challenge the jury instruction on punitive damages. Jury Instruction No. 24 provided, in relevant part:
In determining whether to award punitive damages, you should consider whether the defendants conduct was reprehensible. In this regard, you may consider whether the harm suffered by the plaintiff was physical or economic or both; whether there was intentional malice or reckless disregard for human health or safety; whether the defendants conduct that harmed the plaintiff also caused harm or posed a risk of harm to others; and whether there was any repetition of the wrongful conduct and past conduct of the sort that harmed the plaintiff.
If you decide to award punitive damages, you should consider the following in deciding the amount of punitive damages to award:
1. How much harm the defendants wrongful conduct caused the plaintiff. You may not consider harm to others in deciding the amount of punitive damages to award.
2. What amount of punitive damages, in addition to the other damages already awarded, is needed, considering the defendants financial condition, to punish the defendant for his wrongful conduct toward the plaintiff and to deter the defendant and others from similar wrongful conduct in the future;
The amount of any punitive damages award should bear a reasonable relationship to the harm caused to the plaintiff.
You may assess punitive damages against any or all defendants or you may refuse to impose punitive damages. If punitive damages are assessed against more than one defendant, the amounts assessed against such defendants may be the same or they may be different.
Jury Instructions at 26-27, Washington v. Denney , No. 5:15-cv-06118-NKL (W.D. Mo. Apr. 12, 2017), ECF No. 167.
In Coleman , we did not discuss Farmer s rejection of deliberate indifference as equating with civil-law recklessness. See Farmer , 511 U.S. at 837, 114 S.Ct. 1970. Farmer adopted an approach consistent with the recklessness in the criminal law. Id. As a result, Farmer held that to be liable for deliberate indifference of a serious medical need, a prison official must know[ ] of and disregard[ ] an excessive risk to inmate health and safety. Id. Our courts use of the ordinary § 1983 punitive damages standard of reckless or callous indifference in Coleman would permit a punitive damages awards against prison officials under a standard that is less harsh than the deliberate indifference standard under which they were adjudicated liable. However, we need not resolve this legal issue in the present case. First, the corrections officials have not objected to application of the ordinarily applicable § 1983 punitive damages standard and, in fact, quote that standard in their brief. See Appellants Br. at 19 (citing Schaub , 638 F.3d 905, 922 (8th Cir. 2011) ). Second, in Schaub , we clarify that the defendants conduct must be outrageous, intentional, or malicious to warrant imposition of punitive damages. Schaub , 638 F.3d at 922.