R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-8: Actual damages only to be granted after death of party.

Whenever any of the causes of action or actions as provided in § 9-1-6 are, originally or by survival, brought or prosecuted by or against the executor or administrator of the party originally liable, the plaintiff shall be entitled to recover only the value of the goods taken, or the damage actually sustained, without any vindictive or exemplary damages, or damages for any alleged outrage to the feelings of the injured party.