Tobacco.org

Family sues tobacco firm over woman's death 

The family of a Kent County woman who smoked Pall Mall cigarettes for decades is seeking $14.25 million from a tobacco company, claiming it concealed the dangers of smoking and is responsible for her death.

Mary Beckett, whose last address was in Grand Rapids Township, died in March 1996 at age 69 after suffering a chronic lung disease linked to emphysema, according to her death certificate. . . The five plaintiffs include a son and daughter who live in Kent County, Kathy Higgins and Russell Beckett. The others are sons who live in Texas: John Campbell, Thomas Campbell and Henry "Frank" Campbell.

Their attorney, Raymond McElfish of New York, said John and Thomas Campbell asked him to take the case. Family members don't want to talk about the lawsuit until they get together in a few weeks, said McElfish, who also declined comment Monday.

The suit, assigned to Chief Circuit Judge Dennis Kolenda, seeks $4 million for Beckett's pain and suffering and her "wrongful death;" $250,000 for medical expenses and burial costs; and $10 million for the tobacco company's "egregious" conduct.

Jump to full article »