Tobacco.org

Court allows smokers’ lawsuit for chest scans  

Cigarette maker Philip Morris USA Inc. might have to pay for chest scans so long-time smokers can get early warning of lung cancer, the highest court in Massachusetts ruled today.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled unanimously that under some circumstances, Massachusetts law recognizes a claim by individual smokers for medical monitoring even without the presence of an actual injury.

The ruling means a lawsuit filed by three Massachusetts smokers can move forward in U.S. District Court. If a jury decides in favor of the smokers, Richmond, Va.-based Philip Morris could be required to pay for low-dose computed tomography scans, which can detect early-stage lung cancer.

Jump to full article »