Woburn, MA— Jurors last week issued a $20.7 million verdict against R.J. Reynolds for the mouth cancer a Massachusetts man developed after decades of smoking. Reppucci v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., 2081CV02095.

In Teachable Moment of Trial, CVN spotlights key courtroom moments and trial-winning techniques from the country's best attorneys. Today, the spotlight focuses on the power of classic display boards as aids.

When opening trials involving complex, sometimes dry, subject matter, it’s critical to both simplify concepts and keep jurors focused on the story of your case. Screens and projectors are often the go-to aids in these situations. However, in openings of a talc trial against Johnson & Johnson, Kenneth Reilly’s skillful opening showed how effective classic display boards can be in detailing a case, setting up a defense win against an $84 million-plus claim.

Jacksonville, FL— Jurors this week awarded more than $11 million to the children of a Florida woman who died of cancer after years of smoking cigarettes made by the nation’s two largest tobacco companies. Ferraiuolo v. Philip Morris, et al., 2008-CA-000399.

In Teachable Moment of Trial, CVN spotlights key courtroom moments and trial-winning techniques from the country's best attorneys. Today, the spotlight focuses on a powerful opening statement damages story.

The groundwork for the most effective damages stories is set during a trial’s opening statement. And in openings of a 2022 trial over the crash that ultimately killed a 19-year-old college student, Christian Morris vividly detailed the magnitude of the young woman’s loss, setting up a $7.24 million verdict that far exceeded defense settlement offers.

Stock photo.