Terms of the Settlement Required Tobacco Companies to Pay Billions
A multi-state tobacco settlement resulted in major changes for the industry and the public. The following are general terms of the settlement:
- Tobacco companies will pay $206 billion over the next 25 years to compensate states and smokers for smoking-related disease and to fund smoking-cessation and educational programs.
- States' attorneys general and class-action attorneys will not be allowed to file lawsuits against the industry. Individual smokers can file suits, and, if they win, they will be paid out of the compensatory-damages fund. No punitive-damage claims for past industry misdeeds will be allowed.
- Cigarette vending machines will be banned.
- The companies will pay fines if youth smoking does not decline by 30 percent in five years, by 50 percent in seven years, and by 60 percent in 10 years.
- Ads with cartoon characters (such as Joe Camel) are banned.
Contact a Tobacco Injury Lawyer with Our Firm
At The Law Offices of Jeff Martin, serving Tulsa and communities in Oklahoma, an experienced 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.
