Philip Morris, RJR Win Round In Fla. Smoker Suits
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – A Miami Jury has found for Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds in another of the thousands of lawsuits brought by Florida smokers.
It marked Philip Morris's 9th win in its last 13 Florida verdicts.
Jurors decided Thursday that longtime smoker Annie Ingraham was not addicted to cigarettes. Her daughter sued after she died of emphysema.
Tobacco companies contend they should not be held liable for smoking-related diseases because people are aware of the risks. Smokers' lawsuits contend the companies sold dangerous products and hid risks for years.
Smoker lawsuits are being tried across Florida following a 2006 decision by the state Supreme Court tossing out a $145 billion class action verdict. The court ordered each lawsuit tried individually.
Juries have awarded Florida smokers more than $360 million in damages.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
