RJ Reynolds Hit with $2 Million Verdict in Smoker’s Death

Sep 11,2018

Last month, a jury handed down a $2 million verdict against tobacco company RJ Reynolds over the death of a Florida man. Tyrone Dixon had been smoking cigarettes for more than 25 years when he died of a brain hemorrhage in 1994, at the age of 39.

According to the lawsuit, Dixon was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer after decades of cigarette use. The cancer’s metastasis caused the fatal hemorrhage. The attorney representing Dixon’s family blamed cigarettes and RJ Reynolds for Dixon’s death, claiming that the company participated in a decades-long scheme to cover up the dangers of smoking.

The jury found RJ Reynolds 58% responsible for Dixon’s death, and assigned 42% of responsibility to Dixon. The $2 million award includes $1.3 million for Dixon’s wife and $350,000 to each of his children. The jury also found the tobacco company liable on the conspiracy claim, and recommended proceedings for determining punitive damages.

“For too many years, tobacco companies put products over people by concealing the dangers of their products. It is time for them to take responsibility for the harm caused by these tactics,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.