Personal Injury Law

Philip Morris Ordered To Pay $300 Million To Former Smoker

By Louthian Law Firm

The $300 million awarded to an ex-smoker who needs a lung transplant would be the nation's largest award to an individual suing a tobacco company, if the award survives appeal, reports the New York Times.

The award could also encourage thousands of other smokers to file suit in Florida since a supreme court ruling a few years ago made it easier to pursue the suits there than in other states. In 2006, Florida had a legal ruling which lowered the plaintiff's burden of proof against a tobacco company.

The 61-year-old woman was awarded $56 million in compensatory damages and $244 million in punitive damages. She started smoking when she was 20-years-old and quit when she was 45. She now has severe emphysema and needs a lung transplant which she is unable afford.

The jury found the woman 10% responsible for her smoking and her disease and Philip Morris 90% responsible.

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a consumer product, you should speak with the experienced product injury attorneys at Louthian Law Firm as soon as possible. For a free consultation, call us at 1-866-410-5656 or fill out our confidential online case evaluation form.

Tobacco Lawsuit

Full post as published by South Carolina Lawyer Blog on November 23, 2009 (boomark / email).