Hancock v. Philip Morris, et al.

Summary

In this Engle-progeny case, Jimmy Hancock developed fatal chronic obstructive respiratory disease after smoking cigarettes for decades. Despite this diagnosis, Hancock continued smoking for 12 years, eventually quitting in 2006, three years before he died. Hancock's family sues R.J. Reynolds, claiming that Hancock was addicted to Reynolds' cigarettes.

Attorneys for Hancock's family argue that Reynolds engaged in a conspiracy to conceal the risks of smoking while engineering cigarettes to be as addictive as possible. This addiction was so strong, they claim, that he continued to smoke despite his COPD diagnosis.

R.J. Reynolds asserts Hancock knew the risks of smoking, yet never attempted to quit before his successful attempt in 2006, ignoring pleas from his family for years.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.
Total damages: $1.5 million.

Apportionment of fault:
Jimmy Hancock: 60%
R.J. Reynolds: 40%