Ballard, a non-Florida resident, sued Owens-Corning on grounds he had been exposed to an asbestos product the latter sold. Exposure allegedly occurred in six separate states, though not in Florida. Owen-Corning asked the judge to dismiss the case on grounds it should be brought in another state. The judge declined, and at trial Ballard was awarded $1.8 million in compensatory damages and $31 million in punitive damages. On appeal, the Fourth District Court agreed the trial was properly held in Florida and affirmed the award, but certified the case to the Supreme Court on the issue of punitive damages.