Tobacco Companies Owe $3 Million in Punitive Damages Over Smoker’s Death
Tobacco Companies Owe $3 Million in Punitive Damages Over Smoker’s Death

Tobacco companies Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds were ordered to pay $3 million in punitive damages to a Florida man whose wife died from cancer after decades of cigarette smoking. The punitive verdict came in addition to a $2.1 million award for compensatory damages.

Myron Kaplan sued the tobacco companies for the 2001 death of his with Sheila. Kaplan claimed the companies purposely hid the dangers of smoking, which led to his wife’s cancer and respiratory disease.

According to the lawsuit, Kaplan began smoking around age 14, and continued to smoke for decades. She was diagnosed with respiratory disease and lung cancer in 1994. She had one of her lungs removed, then died seven years later from her illness.

“We will continue to see more of these lawsuits against tobacco companies over the harm their deceptive marketing has done. Hopefully these verdicts serve as a lesson to any other companies willing to put profits over the health and safety of consumers,” 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 been injured by a defective product 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.

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