- Defense
- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
- Represented By:
- Parker, Stephanie (Jones Day)
Plaintiff Melba Sherman's husband, John Sherman, died of lung cancer in 1996, after smoking 3-4 packs of Lucky Strike and Winston cigarettes for over 50 years. According to the defense, Sherman enjoyed smoking, chose to smoke, knew the risks, and made no serious attempt to quit.
The jury found that Sherman was addicted to nicotine and that Sherman's addiction was the legal cause of death. The jury apportioned liability 50% each to John Sherman and RJ Reynolds, based on RJ Reynolds' concealment of the dangers, and found damages of $1.55M.
Fault: RJ Reynoldsd-50%, John Sherman 50%
Martha Sherman's Loss: 1,550,000
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