Two Florida Supreme Court decisions in as many weeks have changed the litigation landscape for thousands of Engle progeny plaintiffs, rendering it easier to prove class membership and recover millions in punitive damages against the nation’s tobacco companies.

Jacksonville, FL—A circuit judge declared a mistrial six days into an Engle progeny tobacco trial over the lung cancer death of a 52-year-old man, after the Florida Supreme Court published two key Engle class decisions in as many weeks. Redburn v. R.J. Reynolds, 2008-CA-000401. 

Elizabeth Zwibel delivers the opening statement in trial against Dr. Dudley Teel and Indian River Memorial Hospital, accused of reckless conduct in their treatment of Shannon Kelly, who died from diabetes-related complications. 

Vero Beach, FL—Whether an ER doctor recklessly engaged in “cell phone medicine” that caused a girl’s death from diabetes complications ignited a fiery debate between attorneys Wednesday as trial opened in a suit by the girl’s parents. Kelly v. Indian River Memorial Hospital, 2010-CA-073141. 

Atlanta—Jurors last week cleared a Georgia attorney in a defamation claim, closing a chapter on more than five years of litigation that raised questions about public statements a lawyer may make about opposing parties during a lawsuit. Infinite Energy v. Pardue, et al., 11EV013747. 

Michael Berry addresses the jury during the punitive phase in wrestler Hulk Hogan's suit against Gawker Media, Nick Denton, and A.J. Daulerio. 

St. Petersburg, FL—Jurors Monday imposed a $25.1 million punitive verdict on Gawker Media, its founder, and its former editor for the company’s publication of a sex video involving wrestler Hulk Hogan, driving the total award past $140 million in the blockbuster invasion of privacy case. Bollea v. Gawker Media LLC, 2012CA01244.