Ricapor-Hall v. Philip Morris

Summary

In this tobacco trial, Ramona Ricapor-Hall developed lung cancer after smoking cigarettes for over 6 decades. Ricapor-Hall sues Philip Morris, alleging that their Virginia Slims and Benson and Hedges cigarettes caused her lung cancer.

Representatives for Ricapor-Hall claim that Philip Morris engineered their cigarettes to addict as many smokers as possible by altering the nicotine levels and inhalability, while simultaneously concealing the dangers of smoking from the public.

Defendant Philip Morris contends that all cigarettes contain nicotine and are burned. They assert that Ricapor-Hall bears responsibility for knowing the dangers of smoking but choosing not to quit until her cancer diagnosis.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.
Total damages: $14 million.
Including $6 million in compensatory damages and $8 million in punitive damages.

Apportionment of fault:
Ramona Ricapor-Hall: 46%
Philip Morris: 54%