Stock image. 

Lakeland, FL— A Florida appeals court this week upheld a $3.75 million award against R.J. Reynolds for the death of a long-time smoker, but certified a conflict between appellate jurisdictions over which punitive damages law applies to this and similar cases in the state's long-running Engle progeny litigation.

Stock image.

Tampa, FL— R.J. Reynolds was hit with a $3.75 million verdict this week for the part jurors found the company played in a Florida woman’s fatal respiratory disease. Durrance-Jones v. R.J. Reynolds, 2008-CA-009036.

Kevin Boyce tells jurors Totsie Fleming knew or should have known she had smoking-related respiratory disease on or before May 5, 1990, a statutory cutoff date for her family's action against cigarette maker R.J. Reynolds. Jurors Wednesday found the suit time barred. 

Sebring, FL—R.J. Reynolds Wednesday prevailed in a suit by the family of a Florida woman who died from respiratory disease after smoking for 60 years, as jurors declared the claim time barred. Durrance v. R.J. Reynolds, 11-26-GCS. 

Kevin Boyce delivers the opening statement for R.J. Reynolds at trial over the COPD death of Totsie Fleming, a smoker for 60 years. Judge John Kest decalred a mistrial in the case Tuesday because Boyce suffered unexpected health problems.