Escambia County, FL - The jury in Robinsons v. R.J. Reynolds, et al. returned a $23.6 billion punitive damages award on Friday. This four week trial was filed by widow, Cynthia Robinson in 2008 after her husband passed away at the age of 36.
The jury also awarded $16.8 million in damages for the loss of companionship and protection for Cynthia and the loss of parental companionship and guidance for the decedent's son.
Robinsons' suit was an Engle progeny suit, meaning it was initially part of the large class action lawsuit against a number of tobacco companies that was awarded $145 billion in damages. The Florida Supreme Court overturned this verdict in 2006, and the plaintiffs have since brought their cases against the companies individually.
CVN streamed the entire proceeding live. Cynthia Robinson v. R.J. Reynolds is now available to view on demand, along with dozens of other similar tobacco proceedings.
