Andy Allen v. RJR

Summary

This Engle progeny tobacco litigation proceeding, plaintiff Andy Allen (personal representative of the estate of Patricia Allen) alleged R J Reynolds and Philip Morris Tobacco Co of fraudulent concealment of dangers of smoking cigarettes manufactured by the companies, which got his wife Patricia Allen to get addicted to smoking at an early age. The plaintiff also alleged the companies of manufacturing defective cigarettes which caused Mrs. Allen Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and resulted in her death, due to the disease.

The plaintiff was represented by attorneys Keith Mitnik, Gregory Prysock and Joseph Taraska. The defense in this case comprised of R. J. Reynolds and Philip Morris Tobacco Co. R.J. Reynolds was represented by attorneys Dennis Murphy, Jason Keehfus, John Williams and Amir Tayrani. Philip Morris Tobaco Co was represented by Dan Webb.

The found R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris liable on all theories, and awarded $3M in damages to Ms. Allen's husband and $3M in damages to Ms. Allen's husband, and $17M each in punitive damages against R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, for a total damage award of $40M.

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Outcome

Fault: 45%- RJ Reynolds, 15%-Philip Morris, 40%- Plaintiff
Andy Allen Sr.'s loss: 3,000,000
Amber Allen's loss: 3,000,000
Punitive: 17,000,000-RJ Reynolds, 17,000,000-Philip Morris