$300m Compensation awarded to Former Smoker
A jury has instructed an American Tobacco company to make a payout of $300 million in public liability compensation, to an ex-smoker who is seriously ill.
The 61-year old woman developed emphysema - a disease commonly linked to years of smoking cigarettes. She is now restricted to using a wheelchair.
The jury at Broward Circuit Court awarded her $56 million to cover medical expenses, and an additional $244 million in punitive damages. Punitive damages are used to punish a defendant.
The firm immediately objected to the jury’s decision, saying the ruling came after a trial which included a number of “erroneous rulings” by the presiding judge.
In a statement released following the verdict, lawyer Murray Garnick, representing the company, said he was extremely unhappy with the amount of punitive damages awarded.
He said: “We believe that the punitive damages award is grossly excessive and a clear violation of constitutional and state law.”
Updated on 23/11/2009