Ferraiuolo v. Philip Morris, et al.

Summary

In this tobacco trial, Olga Ferraiuolo died of lung cancer after decades of smoking cigarettes. Her children sue both R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, claiming that cigarettes from both companies contributed to Ferraiuolo's fatal cancer.

Representatives for Ferraiuolo allege that both Reynolds and Morris covered up the dangers of cigarettes. Her representatives claim that her continued smoking despite family members urging her to quit is a sign that she was addicted.

Defendant Philip Morris claims that Ferraiuolo knew the dangers of cigarettes but did not have sufficient motivation to quit smoking. Representatives for R.J. Reynolds agree and point to testimony that Ferraiuolo likely did not smoke Reynolds cigarettes for enough years to develop cancer.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.
Total damages: $11,005,000.
Including $1,005,000 in compensatory damages with an additional $10 million from Philip Morris in punitive damages.

Apportionment of fault:
Olga Ferraiuolo: 55%
Philip Morris: 28%
R.J. Reynolds: 17%