Youngers (Archuleta) v. R.J. Reynolds

VERDICT

Trial
02/13/24 – 02/22/24

Summary

In this tobacco trial, decedent Edward Archuleta died from coronavirus complications after his diagnosis with lung cancer. His representatives claim that the cigarettes he smoked since he was 14 were defectively designed, leading to his eventual cancer diagnosis.

This defective design claim rests upon the inhalability and nicotine content of the cigarettes. Easier inhalability and nicotine content are intentional design elements to make cigarettes as addictive as possible.

Defendant R.J. Reynolds counters these statements. Their representatives state that these characteristics are found in all cigarettes and that all cigarettes possess inherent dangers.

Outcome

Verdict for defendant.

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Judge
Maria Sanchez-Gagne
Jurisdiction
1st Judicial Circuit of New Mexico
Court
Santa Fe County Courthouse
Case Number
D-101-CV-2020-01693
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Tobacco
Plaintiff
Youngers, Joleen
Defense
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

FEB
13
FEB
14
FEB
15
FEB
16
FEB
19
FEB
20
FEB
21
FEB
22

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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