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$21.5M Verdict, After $14M in Punitives, Against R.J. Reynolds in Trial Over Vet's Lung Cancer

Posted by Arlin Crisco on Nov 4, 2016 4:39:51 PM

R.J. Reynolds executive Charles Garner testifies during the punitive phase of trial over the lung cancer death of Franklin Johnston. Jurors imposed a $14 million punitive award against Reynolds on Thursday, bringing the total award to $21.5 million. 


Sarasota, FL—R.J. Reynolds faces a $21.5 million total damage award for the part it played in the lung cancer death of a Florida Army veteran, after jurors hit the tobacco company with $14 million in punitive damages Thursday. Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds, 2014-CA-004023.2014-CA-004023. 

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Topics: Products Liability, tobacco, Engle Progeny, Florida, Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds

$7.5M Verdict, Plus Possible Punitives, Thumps R.J. Reynolds at Trial Over Army Vet's Deadly Cancer

Posted by Meghan Gourley on Nov 2, 2016 7:01:42 PM

Gary Paige delivers closing arguments at trial against R.J. Reynolds for the lung cancer death of Franklin "Jim" Johnston. The jury awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages and found the tobacco giant potentially liable for punitives. 


Sarasota, FL—Jurors Wednesday awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages to the widow of an Army veteran for the role they found cigarette manufacturer R.J. Reynolds played in his lung cancer death. Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds, 2014-CA-004023.2014-CA-004023. 

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Topics: Negligence, Products Liability, tobacco, Engle Progeny, Florida, Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds

"Stubborn" Soldier Was Responsible for His Own Smoking, Defense Says as Trial Opens Over Lung Cancer Death

Posted by Meghan Gourley on Oct 26, 2016 6:11:28 PM

Sarasota, FL—A former military man described as hard-headed, stubborn, and having a short fuse, was completely responsible for his own smoking and could not have been dissuaded from his 3-pack-a-day habit, the defense claimed in opening statements last week in the trial against the cigarette maker charged with conspiring to sell the cigarettes that led to his lung cancer and death. Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds, 2014-CA-004023.2014-CA-004023. 

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Topics: Negligence, Products Liability, tobacco, Engle Progeny, Florida, Johnston v. R.J. Reynolds