Sherman v. RJR Reynolds

VERDICT

Trial
04/20/09 – 05/08/09

Summary

Plaintiff Melba Sherman's husband, John Sherman, died of lung cancer in 1996, after smoking 3-4 packs of Lucky Strike and Winston cigarettes for over 50 years. According to the defense, Sherman enjoyed smoking, chose to smoke, knew the risks, and made no serious attempt to quit.

The jury found that Sherman was addicted to nicotine and that Sherman's addiction was the legal cause of death. The jury apportioned liability 50% each to John Sherman and RJ Reynolds, based on RJ Reynolds' concealment of the dangers, and found damages of $1.55M.

Outcome

Fault: RJ Reynoldsd-50%, John Sherman 50%
Martha Sherman's Loss: 1,550,000

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$1,550,000
Judge
Jeffrey Streitfeld
Jurisdiction
17th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Court
Judicial Complex
Case Number
07-23438
Industry
Tobacco
Practice Area
Products Liability, Tobacco, Tort Law, Toxic Torts
Plaintiff
Sherman, Melba
Defense
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

APR
22
APR
23
AM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
PM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
APR
24
APR
27
APR
28
AM Session
Defense Witness(es)
3 Chapters
APR
29
APR
30
MAY
4
AM Session
Other
2 Chapters
PM Session
Verdict
3 Chapters
MAY
5
MAY
6
PM Session
Punitive Phase
2 Chapters
MAY
7
PM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
MAY
8

AudioCaseFiles

Exclusive audio opinions to enhance your law school experience

AudioCaseFiles

Essentials

The most important and informative moments of each trial

Essentials

Training Libraries

Trial Advocacy, Rules of Evidence and Appellate Advocacy

Training

  • Follow Us