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Scott Schlesinger and the Closing that Set Up a $15M Verdict Against R.J. Reynolds |VIDEO|

Posted by Arlin Crisco on May 25, 2017 12:14:18 AM


A blistering closing argument aimed at modern tobacco marketing helped deliver the eight-figure award at the heart of the largest Engle verdict so far this year, said Scott Schlesinger, who spearheaded the win against R.J. Reynolds.

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Topics: Engle Progeny, Florida, Tobacco Litigation, Lima v. R.J. Reynolds, et al.

UPDATE: $15M Verdict, Including $12M in Punitives, Thumps RJR for Smoker's Illness; Philip Morris Cleared of Responsibility

Posted by Arlin Crisco on Apr 21, 2017 1:05:03 PM

Scott Schlesinger delivers his closing argument at trial against R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris for smoking-related diseases Mary Lima claims her husband developed because of nicotine addiction and tobacco industry concealment of smoking's dangers. 


Update: Jurors Friday imposed a $12 million punitive verdict against R.J. Reynolds for the smoking-related disease effects they found Johnny Lima suffered as a result of Reynolds' participation in a long-standing conspiracy to hide the dangers of cigarettes. 

The punitive verdict brings the total award to $15 million in the case.  A day earlier the jury awarded $3 million in compensatory damages to Lima's widow, Mary, but absolved codefendant Philip Morris of responsibility. 

Tampa, FL—A state court jury Thursday awarded $3 million in compensatory damages to a Florida smoker’s widow, and found punitives potentially warranted for the role R.J. Reynolds played in his smoking-related illness. But, it absolved the tobacco giant of his death and completely cleared Philip Morris of responsibility. Lima v. R.J. Reynolds, et al. 21015-CA-007140.

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Topics: Products Liability, tobacco, Engle Progeny, Florida, Lima v. R.J. Reynolds, et al.