Kirkland v. R.J. Reynolds

VERDICT

Trial
01/26/11 – 02/11/11

Summary

In this Engle progeny tobacco litigation proceeding, plaintiff Leroy Kirkland alleged R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company of fraudulent concealment of dangers of smoking cigarettes manufactured by the company which led the plaintiff to get addicted to smoking at age 11. The plaintiff also alleged the company of manufacturing defective cigarettes due to which, his larynx and part of his tongue were removed as a result of laryngeal cancer.

The plaintiff was represented by attorney Manuel Socias. The defendant in this case, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was represented by attorney Stephen Kaczynski.

The jury found in favor of the plaintiff on all issues, including R.J. Reynolds' liability for punitive damages. However, the jury awarded compensatory damages of only $100K, and allocated 90% of fault to the plaintiff. The punitive damage award was $250K.

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Outcome

Fault: 10%- RJ Reynolds, 90%- Plaintiff
Non-Economic Damages: 60,000-Past, 40,000-Future
Punitive Damages: 250,000

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$350,000
Judge
William Levens
Jurisdiction
13th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
Edgecomb Courthouse
Case Number
08-CA-673
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Tobacco, Toxic Torts, Products Liability, Negligence, Tort Law
Plaintiff
Kirkland, Leroy
Defense
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

JAN
26
JAN
27
JAN
28
JAN
31
FEB
1
FEB
2
FEB
3
FEB
4
FEB
7
FEB
8
FEB
9
FEB
10
FEB
11

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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