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$20M+ Damage Award in Putney Trial Includes Punitives

Posted by msch on Apr 26, 2010 10:55:00 AM

Judge Jeffrey Streitfeld in Putney v. R.J. Reynolds, Phillip Morris, and Liggett Group tobacco trial

The jury deliberated for three days in Putney v. R.J. Reynolds before returning a $20M+ damage award.

The jury awarded Margot Putney's family members -- Sharon, Glen, and Guy -- $5M each in general damages (pain and suffering) as a result of Margot Putney's death.

In addition, the jury found by clear and convincing evidence that punitive damages of $2.5M each were warranted against RJ Reynolds and against Phillip Morris, but not against Liggett Group.

The jury also awarded damages of approximately $86.5K for Margot Putney's medical and funeral expenses. Fault was allocated 35% to Margot Putney, 30% to R.J. Reynolds, 15% to Phillip Morris, and 20% to Liggett.

CVN covered the Putney tobacco trial live. 

Topics: Toxic Torts, Products Liability, Tobacco Litigation, Putney v. R.J. Reynolds