Brent Bigger delivers his closing argument in the punitive phase of proceedings against R.J. Reynolds. Jurors awarded $18 million including $12 million in punitives, to Marlene Nally for Reynolds' role in the death of her husband, Joseph, a smoker for more than 50 years. 

Lakeland, FL—Jurors this week found R.J. Reynolds liable for $18 million for the role the company played in the lung cancer death of a Korean War veteran who smoked for more than half a century. Nally v. R.J. Reynolds, 2007-CA-007627.

Stock photo.

Atlanta—Jury selection is set to begin Monday at trial over MARTA’s alleged role in the death of an Atlanta-area motorcyclist. Lynn v. MARTA, 2015CV259595.

John Walker delivers the closing argument for the defense in George Dion's suit against R.J. Reynolds for the cancer death of his wife, Marion. Jurors awarded Dion $12 million in compensatory damages plus punitives to be determined in the trial's second phase. 

Update 5/12/16: Jurors Thursday imposed a $30,000 punitive award against R.J. Reynolds following yesterday's $12 millon compensatory verdict. Updated details follow the original story below. 

Sarasota, FL—A jury Wednesday awarded $12 million, plus potential punitive damages, to the widower of a Florida smoker for the role R.J. Reynolds played in the woman’s cancer death. Dion v. R.J. Reynolds, 13CA5673.

Dustin Herman delivers the opening statement in trial over the death of underwater filmmaker Wesley Skiles, who drowned in 2010. Skiles' wife, Terri, claims her husband died because of a defective rebreather made by Dive Rite. 

West Palm Beach, FL—Attorneys Monday debated whether defective equipment or diver error caused a renowned underwater filmmaker to drown, as trial began against the company that made the equipment. Skiles v. Lamartek Inc., et al., 2012-CA-013132.2012-CA-013132. 

William Wichmann delivers his opening statement at trial against R.J. Reynolds. Wichmann's claims Reynolds deception led to Marion Dion's nicotine addiction and death.

Sarasota, FL—Whether addiction fueled a Florida woman’s 40-plus years of smoking took center stage last week as trial opened against R.J. Reynolds for the woman’s cancer death. Dion v. R.J. Reynolds, 13CA5673.