Lucinda Naugle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al.

VERDICT

Trial
10/07/13 – 10/16/13

Summary

This is a re-trial for an Engle progeny tobacco litigation, in which the jury had awarded the plaintiff punitive damages of $244 million, the original trial concluded in 2009. Circuit judge Jeffrey Streitfeld who was presiding over the case had reduced the verdict to $36.8 million. The 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach ordered a re-trial as they found that Judge Jeffrey Streitfeld should have set aside the punitive damages completely instead of reducing them, if he found that the jury’s decision was based on sympathy and anger.
In the proceeding, plaintiff Lucinda Naugle alleged Philip Morris Tobacco Co of fraudulent concealment of dangers of smoking cigareets, which got her addicted to smoking and caused her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD /Emphysema). The plaintiff had smoked ‘Benson & Hedges’ cigarettes for 25 years before quitting.
The plaintiff was represented by attorneys Todd McPharlin and John Uustal. The defendants in this case, Philip Morris Co and others were represented by attorneys Robert McCarter and Keri Arnold.

Outcome

$7,500,000.00 - punitive
$3,500,000.00 - past pain and suffering
$0 future pain and suffering
$180,000.00 future medical
$646,389.66 past medical

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$11,646,390
Judge
Jack Tuter
Jurisdiction
17th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
Judicial Complex
Case Number
CACE07036736
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Products Liability
Plaintiff
Naugle, Lucinda
Defense
Philip Morris Tobacco Co
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

AM Session
Other
2 Chapters
OCT
7
OCT
8
OCT
9
OCT
10
OCT
11
OCT
14
OCT
15
PM Session
Verdict
2 Chapters
OCT
16

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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