Piendle v. R.J. Reynolds

Summary

In this Engle progeny tobacco litigation proceeding, plaintiff Margaret E. Piendle ( personal representative of the estate of Charles Piendle) alleged R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Philip Morris Tobacco Co of fraudulent concealment of dangers of smoking cigarettes manufactured by the companies, which led her husband Charles Piendle to get addicted to smoking as a teenager. The plaintiff also alleged the companies of manufacturing defective cigarettes, which caused Mr. Piendle’s death due to lung cancer , after 30 years of smoking.

The plaintiff was represented by attorney Jack Scarola, Rosalyn Baker-Barnes, Gregory Barnhart, Laurie Briggs and David Sales. The defense in this case comprised of Philip Morris Tobacco Co and R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Philip Morris Tobacco Co was represented by attorneys Peter Hank and Frank Kelly. R.J. Reynolds was represented by attorneys Peter Biersteker and Elizabeth Kessler


The jury apportioned 45% fault to Mr. Piendle, and 27.5% each to R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris. The jury awarded $4M in compensatory damages, and $270K in punitive damages.

For more information, visit the CVN Blog.

Outcome

Punitive:180,000- RJ Reynolds, 90,000-Philip Morris
Damages: 4,000,000
Fault: 45%-Plaintiff, 27.5%- Philip Morris, 27.5%-RJ Reynolds