In a recent trial judgment resulting in a $36 million verdict, one of our own attorneys Randy Rosenblum, assisted in bringing Philip Morris USA Inc. and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to justice on behalf of Robert Wallace, a 50-year-old lung cancer victim, and his family. Robert Wallace passed away in 1992 after 35 years of smoking the Parliament brand cigarettes which these companies produced. Wallace’s surviving family members were initially awarded $12 million on a basis of negligence, product liability, fraud, and a conspiracy to conceal. In the second phase of the trial, the jury assessed 24 million more dollars against Philip Morris USA Inc. and R.J. Reynolds.
Robert Wallace had been smoking since he was 15 years old. His brand of choice was Parliament cigarettes, which name Philip Morris changed to Parliament Lights. The new name was determined misleading and was intentionally meant to conceal the fact that the cigarettes were exactly the same, with no “lighter” or safer qualities to the cigarettes than Robert Wallace had been smoking for 35 years. These two entities, who were responsible for production and distribution of these cigarettes, were found guilty of negligence because of their unwillingness to admit fault or harm of these cigarettes.
This lawsuit demonstrates an overarching problem with large tobacco corporations who have had a track record of lying, concealing, and taking advantage of their customers. The compensation for the Wallace’s pain, suffering, and loss of a loved one will never bring Mr. Wallace back to the family. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that negligent companies will be held accountable for their products and their actions. If you or a loved one have been injured, you have rights. Call Dolan, Dobrinsky, and Rosenblum, LLP today at 305-371-2692 to schedule a free initial consultation.