Kenneth Byrd Comments on Eleventh Circuit’s Upholding of Punitive and Compensatory Damages in Florida Tobacco Litigation

As reported by Law.com (subscription), the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an award of $6.25 million in compensatory damages and $20.7 million in punitive damages against tobacco giants R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris in favor of a now-deceased former smoker, Judith Berger. The panel found that the punitive damages award was within constitutional limits and

2021-05-10T23:43:51+00:00January 26th, 2021|Personal Injury, Tobacco Litigation|

11th Circuit Upholds $20M Verdict Against Phillip Morris for Injured Smoker in Florida Tobacco Litigation

As reported by Law360 (subscription), the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $20.7 million verdict against the tobacco giant Philip Morris in favor of a now-deceased former smoker, Judith Berger. The panel found that the $20.7 million award was within constitutional limits and not excessive, given various facts presented in the case, including that Phillip

2021-05-10T23:44:29+00:00January 20th, 2021|Personal Injury, Tobacco Litigation|

11th Circuit Reinstates $27 Million Verdict for Injured Smoker Against Phillip Morris in Florida Tobacco Litigation

In 2014, Lieff Cabraser won a trial verdict against Philip Morris on behalf of injured smoker Judith Berger, who started using cigarettes at age 14. The jury awarded compensation in the amount of $6.25 million, then added an additional $20 million in punitive damages against the cigarette maker. Thereafter, the trial judge substantially undercut the

2018-11-29T10:55:49+00:00November 29th, 2018|Tobacco Litigation|

Full Measure Talks to Kenny Byrd About the “Forgotten” Tobacco War

Lieff Cabraser Nashville partner Kenneth S. Byrd recently spoke with Sharyl Attkisson of Full Measure in an in-depth cover story about the forgotten legacy of the big tobacco lawsuit settlement, “the one that came after the nation’s cigarette makers got caught red handed in a decades-long cover-up of their products’ risks and addictive qualities.” However,

2018-09-24T14:58:17+00:00September 24th, 2018|Commentary, Tobacco Litigation|

Title