US cigarette company RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company has been ordered to pay the widow of a chain smoker who died of lung cancer $23.6billion in punitive damages.
Cynthia Robinson filed the lawsuit against the cigarette company in 2008, arguing they had failed to adequately inform customers of the risks associated with smoking.
The court heard how Ms. Robinson’s husband, Michael Johnson Sr, had died aged 36 in 1996 after becoming addicted to cigarettes and failing to quit despite several attempts.
The Florida court ordered that RJ Reynolds – the US’ second largest cigarette producer – pay the massive fine on top of $16.8m in compensatory damages.
Speaking to media following the judgement, Ms.Robinson’s lawyer Willie Gary said:
“RJ Reynolds took a calculated risk by manufacturing cigarettes and selling them to consumers without properly informing them of the hazards.
“We hope that this verdict will send a message to RJ Reynolds and other big tobacco companies that will force them to stop putting the lives of innocent people in jeopardy.”
RJ Reynolds have said they will appeal against the verdict, which saw the second largest damages ever awarded in an individual class action lawsuit in the state.
A number of similar cases have been heard in Florida courts since it was ruled that smokers and their relatives only had to prove they were addicted and cigarettes had caused their illness, but no other case has seen such a large damages sum awarded.
