Philip Morris, major tobacco manufacturer and owner of such brand names as Marlboro and Virginia Slims has been asked once again to compensate for the incredible losses brought about by their carcinogenic products.
Last month, the Petition for a Writ of Certiorari on behalf of Phillip Morris USA Inc. was denied. The petition was requested for financial relief from impending compensation obligations in California, one of which being the death of a 57 year old man who had been a two-pack-a-day smoker, dying of cancer in 2002 from the lethal tobacco. Richard Boeken’s case had originally stood to present a $3 billion punitive damage award based on the conclusion that Philip Morris was liable for fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, and the sale of a defective product. While Philip Morris claimed in their argument to the Supreme Court that the award was excessive, where some of the plaintiff’s claims should have been dismissed.
If Philip Morris is trying to argue that their products aren’t so bad, the statement rings false. Boeken had been smoking cigarettes since the age of 13, attempting numerous times throughout his life to quit the incredible nicotine addiction. He tried nicotine gum, specially trained classes, and even tried hypnosis, but all to no avail. He believed, based on Philip Morris’ advertising, that Marlboro Lights would be safer. The cigarettes claimed to be low-tar. It was found in court that Philip Morris had been hiding critical information about the cigarettes in order to promote a “healthier” cigarette for those hopelessly addicted, while in reality the smoker was often kept in an addicted check until death.
Philip Morris currently stands against punitive damage charges totaling around $78 million, in California alone.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of manufacturer fraud or product liability, please contact a personal injury lawyer such as Clyde Stipe of Stipe Law in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for a consultation about your damages.
