Update: Jurors imposed a $5 million punitive verdict Frday afternoon against R.J. Reynolds for the role the tobacco company played in Valton Sheffield's fatal lung cancer. The verdict, reached after about 90 minutes of deliberations, pushes the total award to $6.8 million to Sheffield's widow. 

Orlando, FL—A Florida State Court jury Thursday awarded $1.8 million to the widow of a Florida smoker who died after multiple bouts of lung cancer, and it found R.J. Reynolds potentially liable for punitive damages for the part it played in the man’s death. Sheffield v. R.J. Reynolds, 2013-CA-009469.

Adam Smith delivers his closing argument on behalf of Keely Youngblood, accused of responsibility for neck and back injuries Michael Blatnik claims he suffered when Youngblood rear-ended him. Jurors cleared Youngblood of responsibility for the injuries. 

Decatur, GA—Jurors Wednesday rejected a Georgia man’s claim that he suffered long-term neck and back injuries from a rear-end crash with a distracted driver. Blatnik v. Youngblood, 15A56329.

Kevin Boyce delivers his closing argument on behalf of R.J. Reynolds, accused of responsibility for the throat cancer that killed Louis Lawrence. Jurors Monday awarded Lawrence's widow more than $800,000 in compensatory damages and found punitives potentially warranted.

Update: Parties reached a settlement before the punitive phase of trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday. 

Ocala, FL—A Florida state court jury awarded a smoker’s widow more than $800,000 and found punitive damages potentially warranted against R.J. Reynolds for the role the company played in her husband’s fatal throat cancer.Lawrence v. R.J. Reynolds, 2009-CA-000178.