Tobacco.org

The Case that Broke the Camel's Bank?  

A $15 million award to a double-amputee would punish Camel cigarette-maker R.J. Reynolds only if the company loses on appeal.

Gladstone attorney Gregory Leyh and Independence attorney Ken McClain won the case for client David Burton, 67.

"People should stop smoking - that's what the message is," said Burton, a railroad retiree who once had a three-pack-a-day habit.

The punitive award is the first ordered by a federal judge against a tobacco company, several sources said.

"In the age of Enron, the real issue is accountability and Judge (John) Lungstrum's order speaks to that," Leyh said.

Reynolds' failure to disclose smoking's health risks decades ago helped lead to the award, Leyh said.

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