January 4, 2011 – Boston, MA – As reported by the Associated Press on yahoo! finance.com, the Lorillard Tobacco Company—manufacturer of Newport cigarettes, the No. 1 selling menthol cigarette in the United States—was ordered on Dec. 14, 2010 to pay $71 million in compensatory damages to the estate of a Boston woman who died of lung cancer in 2002. Later that week, the company was ordered to pay an additional $81 million in punitive damages, according to an article from Boston 7 News. The lawsuit alleged that Marie Evans, who began smoking Newport cigarettes as a child in Boston, was given free cigarettes in the 1950s and ‘60s by the Lorillard Tobacco Company. The free cigarettes were an alleged attempt to lure urban children into smoking. Evans’ attorneys claimed that she was first given free cigarettes when she was 9 years old, and that she began smoking at age 13.
In its defense, Lorillard insisted that it never intentionally gave cigarettes to children during that time period. However, in what is believed to be the first verdict of its kind, a court has awarded $50 million in compensatory damages to the estate of Marie Evans, and $21 million to her son. The verdict is believed to have groundbreaking implications for tobacco product liability claims, and may pave the way for others who were given cigarettes as children. If you believe you have grounds for a dangerous products claim against a tobacco company, you should contact a New York dangerous products lawyer. An experienced lawyer may investigate your case to determine if there is sufficient merit for a dangerous product claim.
Contacting a New York Dangerous Products Lawyer
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved because of a dangerous product, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a New York dangerous products lawyer can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a dangerous products claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of dangerous products lawyers that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your dangerous products claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
