Tobacco Lawsuits Latest Rounds Gain Split Decision
Though tobacco lawsuits have fallen from the media radar in the
past couple of years, the latest rounds of litigation have gain
both Philip Morris and R. J. Reynolds a split decision.
Massachusetts smokers are seeking class-action
status for a product liability
lawsuit against Philip Morris to pay for their computerized
chest scans to detect the early stages of lung cancer. The
lawsuit states that Philip Morris must pay for costly CT
scans for those 50 years and older who have smoked Marlboro
cigarettes for at least the last 20 years.
In a motion in favor of Philip Morris, the U. S. Supreme
Court this week let stand a ruling to dismiss a $10.1
billion verdict. The fraud ruling involving 'light cigarettes'
was overturned last year by the Illinois Supreme Court.
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In other tobacco lawsuit news, the U. S. Supreme Court refused
an appeal by R. J. Reynolds to dismiss a lawsuit by Philippine
immigrant, Nilo D. Tuazon. Tuazon has accused R. J. Reynolds of
a worldwide conspiracy to suppress information about the dangers
of smoking Salem cigarettes.
In Oklahoma, R. J. Reynolds won a tobacco lawsuit brought about
by the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, which operates a cigarette manufacturing
plant. The tribe has stated that they are on the verge of financial
collapse because they do not have access to the settlement escrow
account.
Though many had thought that the tobacco lawsuits were a thing
of the past, ongoing litigation continues and occasionally new
suits with merit also appear.
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