A Florida jury has ordered Phillip Morris to pay $8 million in a lawsuit filed by the widow of a smoker who died of lung cancer in 1997. This verdict may have far-reaching implications for more than 8,000 similar claims against tobacco companies throughout the state of Florida.
The judgment included $3 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Elaine Hess, the widow who filed the lawsuit, was extremely happy with the verdict, although she claimed that the money was not very important to her. She filed the lawsuit in order to stand up to tobacco companies.
The jury found Phillip Morris guilty of knowingly selling dangerous products while failing to honestly disclose these risks. This verdict opens the door for many other people who have suffered severe smoking-related illnesses to recover money from the major tobacco companies for their dishonest practices.
While tobacco companies have traditionally won the many product liability lawsuits filed against them, this trend has recently been changing. Phillip Morris currently has an appeal pending with the United States Supreme Court over a $79.5 million judgment against them. It is likely that they will appeal the Florida verdict as well.
If you have a dangerous product claim in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, please contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.
