Litigation by individual smokers and tobacco companies has been winding its way through the Florida courts for more than two decades. As a Florida federal appeals attorney explains, the U.S. Supreme Court has just weighed in with a decision that could cost tobacco companies tens of millions of dollars.
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The Procedural History of the Case
In the early 90s, a class action lawsuit was brought by smokers against the tobacco industry claiming the companies concealed and/or conspired to hide the addictive properties of their products. Courts then found in favor of the plaintiffs holding there was indeed evidence of a conspiracy by the tobacco industry. This left the door open for individual plaintiffs to pursue lawsuits in their own right against the tobacco industry. The lawyers for the companies have been appealing this ruling ever since. As an appeals lawyer discusses, the U.S. Supreme Court has finally weighed in.
The Supreme Court Ruling and What It Means For the Future
The highest court in the land has sided with lower Florida courts that allow individual plaintiffs that were part of the old class action lawsuit to go after the tobacco industry for injuries and death they suffered after becoming addicted to cigarettes. This may leave the tobacco companies exposed to multi-million dollar verdicts. Many of the more than 2,500 cases still outstanding may settle before trial now. However, time is of the essence as many of the original plaintiffs have since died. If they left surviving spouses or children, their survivors may be able to pursue a wrongful death action on their behalf.
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By calling (855) 776-2773, you can set up an appointment with an experienced, compassionate Florida appeals attorney at Brownstone Law who will take the time go get to know you and understand your legal matter to help you choose the best course of action to take.
