For years, while people were taking up cigarette smoking, the tobacco industry was steadfastly denying that smoking causes cancer and other detrimental health effects and that it was addictive. Unfortunately, during the early years of litigation, victims injured by tobacco usage never obtained any real justice.
That changed in 1996 when Brooke Group Ltd, parent of Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company, settled with several states which had brought claims against it. Other American tobacco giants rushed to the settlement table.
Individuals have prevailed recently in lawsuits. In 2005, a jury found Philip Morris liable for $17.1 billion in punitive damages. In 2001, a judge awarded $105 million to plaintiffs (after reducing a jury's $3 billion figure).
Class actions lawsuits have been allowed to proceed. And workers injured by second-hand smoke have won their lawsuits (In one such case, a jury awarded $5.5 million to a flight attendant in 2002. The trial court reduced the award to $500,000).
At The Law Offices of Jeff Martin, serving Tulsa and communities in Oklahoma, an experienced tobacco injury attorney can help if you feel that you or a loved one has been a victim of a tobacco-related injury. Contact us. Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you don't pay unless we win. Call us today in Tulsa area at 728-8888 or use our toll free number 800-980-9205.
