In this Engle progeny tobacco case, plaintiffs, the family member of a man who developed COPD after decades of smoking, claim defendant R.J. Reynolds, maker of the cigarettes he favored, is responsible, by causing his addiction to cigarettes, which led to his respiratory disease.
The defense contends the smoker knew the risks of cigarettes but did not do enough to quit smoking in time to avoid the impact smoking had on him.
The 2021 trial in the case concerned all elements of an Engle claim, including addiction and causation. The 2024 trial focused solely on whether punitive damages were warranted.
Defense verdict
