Tobacco.org

Florida Smoker's Widow Awarded $30 Million 

A Florida jury yesterday ordered R.J. Reynolds to pay $30 million to the widow of a lung cancer victim, who sued the leading tobacco manufacturer pursuant to a 2006 ruling barring class actions against cigarette companies but allowing individual suits to proceed.

The three-person jury in Pensacola awarded $5 million in compensation last week, and yesterday tacked on $25 million punitive damages. . . .

The recent string of consumer victories is likely to lead to more litigation, and more headaches for the nation's tobacco manufacturers. Meanwhile, the economic crisis has spurred some states to drastically increase taxes on cigarettes, leading consumers to think twice before buying a pack.

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