Cynthia Robinson v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al.

VERDICT

Trial
06/26/14 – 07/18/14

Summary

This is a tobacco trial that was originally part of the Florida Engle class action litigation that was decertified in 2006. Michael Johnson died from lung cancer in 1996 at 36 years old. He began smoking at the age of 13, and smoked Kool Menthol cigarettes, which were manufactured by Brown and Williamson. The lawsuit was filed by his wife, Cynthia Robinson, and his son, Michael Johnson, who was 14 when his father died. The jury found for the plaintiffs, awarding her more than $16 million in compensatory damages and $23 billion in punitive damages.

Outcome

Compensatory Damages:
Loss of companionship & protection of Cynthia Robinson - $7,302,625

Loss of parental companionship & guidance of Michael Johnson's son - $9,591,208

Punitive Damages:
$23,623,718,906.62

Total:
23,640,612,739.62

Watch Ken Feinberg's reaction to the $23Bn verdict:
http://cvn.com/sessions/270a8d7970b44773bacb2fc96241c9c11d/demo?playFrom=0

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$16,893,833
Judge
Terry Terrell
Jurisdiction
1st Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
Case Number
2008 CA 000098
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Tobacco
Plaintiff
Robinson, Cynthia
Defense
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

JUN
26
JUN
27
JUN
30
JUL
1
JUL
2
JUL
3
JUL
7
JUL
8
JUL
9
JUL
10
JUL
11
JUL
14
PM Session
Closings
37 Chapters
JUL
15
AM Session
Other
2 Chapters
JUL
16
JUL
17
JUL
18

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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