Hancock v. R.J. Reynolds, et al.

VERDICT

Trial
07/30/12 – 08/10/12

Summary

In this Engle progeny tobacco litigation proceeding, plaintiff John Hancock (personal representative of the estate of Edna Siewick) alleged R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris Tobacco Co of fraudulent concealment of dangers of smoking cigarettes manufactured by the company which led his grandmother Edna Siewick to get addicted to smoking and also alleged the companies of being liable of manufacturing defective cigarettes which caused Edna SiewickChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and resulted in her death at age 82 in 2003.

The plaintiff was represented by attorneys William Wichmann, Brian Depew and Mark Millard. The defense in this case comprised of R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris Tobacco Co. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco co was represented by attorney Jack Williams. Philip Morris Tobacco Co was represented by attorneys William Geraghty and Kenneth Reilly.

Outcome

The jury found the following: The plaintiff was addicted, COPD was the legal cause of death, R.J. Reynolds' negligence was a legal cause, defective cigarettes were a legal cause of death, there was no gross negligence and it was not a legal cause of death, and plaintiff did not rely on statements by the defense after 5/5/82 and that reliance was not a cause of death.

Percentage of fault to PM-5%, RJR 5%, P 90%
Medical expenses $0
Damages sustained $0

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Judge
Jack Tuter
Jurisdiction
17th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
Judicial Complex
Case Number
07-36725
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Tobacco
Plaintiff
Hancock,
Defense
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Defense
Philip Morris Tobacco Co
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

JUL
31
AUG
1
AM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
AUG
2
AUG
3
AUG
6
AUG
7
AM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
PM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
AUG
8
PM Session
Other
3 Chapters
AUG
9

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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