R.J. Reynolds Found Liable in Smoker's Death
A jury awards $1 million in damages to the widow of a smoker who died of lung cancer.
February 12, 2018 at 09:44 AM
1 minute read
PRODUCTS LIABILITY
VOLUSIA CIRCUIT COURT
A jury found R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. partially liable in the death of a longtime smoker in Volusia County.
In 1998, construction worker Robert Quackenbush, 49, died of lung cancer after smoking heavily for many years. His widow sued the cigarette maker, alleging negligence, product design defect and fraudulent concealment, among other claims.
The jury found R.J. Reynolds was negligent and its cigarettes had a design defect but that Quackenbush did not rely on misleading statements. The jury also found Quackenbush 80 percent liable for his cancer and R.J. Reynolds 20 percent. The net damages award was $71,630. The jury also assessed $930,000 in punitive damages against R.J. Reynolds, bringing to the total award to $1 million.
Case: Quackenbush v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
Case No.: 2007 12188 CIDL
Plaintiffs attorneys: Parama Karuna Liberman, Ogle Law, Gainesville, and William H. Ogle, Ogle Law, Daytona Beach
Defense attorneys: Timothy J. Fiorta and Dennis L. Murphy, Cleveland, and Jesika Wehunt French, Atlanta, Jones Day
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