Santana v. Philip Morris

VERDICT

Trial
06/13/24 – 06/27/24

Summary

Decedent Tomasa Santana developed laryngeal cancer after smoking Virginia Slims cigarettes since the 1970s. Her husband, Jose Santana, sues Philip Morris, alleging that their cigarettes were defectively designed and caused Ms. Santana’s throat cancer. These elements of defect include Philip Morris manipulating nicotine levels to ensure addiction and the cigarettes being easily inhalable. Representatives for Santana also claim that Philip Morris intentionally obscured the dangers of smoking from consumers to sell more product.

Defendant Philip Morris claims that nicotine and inhalability are inherent qualities of a cigarette and do not represent design defect. And, when Ms. Santana began smoking, people already knew that cigarettes were dangerous.

Outcome

Verdict for defendant.

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Judge
Antonio Arzola
Jurisdiction
11th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
Dade County Courthouse
Case Number
000000000
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Tobacco
Plaintiff
Santana, Jose
Defense
Philip Morris Tobacco Co
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

JUN
13
JUN
14
PM Session
Plaintiff Witness(es)
4 Chapters
JUN
17
JUN
18
JUN
24
JUN
25
AM Session
Plaintiff Witness(es)
2 Chapters
JUN
26
PM Session
Other
2 Chapters
JUN
27

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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