Alex Alvarex delivers his closing argument during the punitive phase of trial against Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds over the cancer and respiratory disease Mary Howles claims was caused by the companies' deceit. Jurors Tuesday imposed a $6 million punitive award, following the $4 million in compensatories they awarded a day earlier.
Fort Lauderdale, FL—A South Florida jury imposed a $6 million punitive verdict on R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris yesterday, completing a $10 million damage award against the tobacco giants for their role in a former nurse’s cancer and respiratory disease. Howles v. R.J. Reynolds, 2007-CV-034919.