Tobacco.org

Seattle Times: Ill ex-smoker says state is to blame 

George Van Houten was a 15-year-old, convicted car thief living at a state-run camp for wayward teens when he puffed his first cigarette. . . Because he was a juvenile under the supervision of state counselors when he started smoking, Van Houten claims the government owes him $6 million compensation for his health problems.

"I can't say I'm mad at the state. But I think they are at least partially responsible for hooking me up to this stuff," he said recently from his home in Niceville, Fla.

On Thursday, Van Houten filed a claim against the state of Washington. The state Attorney General's Office has 60 days to respond.

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