William Wichmann delivers his opening statement at trial against R.J. Reynolds. Wichmann's claims Reynolds deception led to Marion Dion's nicotine addiction and death.

Sarasota, FL—Whether addiction fueled a Florida woman’s 40-plus years of smoking took center stage last week as trial opened against R.J. Reynolds for the woman’s cancer death. Dion v. R.J. Reynolds, 13CA5673.

John Hall delivers his closing argument for Emory Healthcare at trial over the fall that paralyzed Cris Nelson. Jurors awarded Nelson and his wife, Deborah, $15 million. 

Decatur, GA—Jurors Monday found Emory Healthcare liable for $15 million in damages for its role in the fall that paralyzed a patient during a routine blood draw. Nelson v. Emory Healthcare, 14A53202E2.

Randall Bassett delivers the opening statement for UPS, accused of responsibility for the late-night collision that killed James Hope Jr. 

Update: The parties settled the case during trial for an undisclosed sum. 

Jacksonville, FL—Attorneys debated whether a UPS tractor-trailer driver caused the late night collision that killed two men, as trial opened Thursday against the delivery service giant. Hope v. UPS, 2011-CA-005747.

Lloyd Bell details events leading to Cris Nelson's fall during a blood draw at an Emory Healthcare clinic. Emory has admitted negligence for the fall, which paralyzed Nelson. Jurors will decide damages, which run into the millions. 

 Decatur, GA—Jurors will determine the amount Emory Healthcare owes a man for a paralyzing fall he suffered during a routine blood draw, as trial opened Tuesday against the healthcare provider. Nelson v. Emory Healthcare, 14A53202E2.

Gary Paige delivers closings arguments at trial against R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris for the cancer death of Tom Purdo. Jurors awarded Purdo's family more than $33 million, including $12.5 million in punitives. 

West Palm Beach, FL—Jurors this week awarded $33.5 million to the family of a Florida attorney after finding the nation’s two largest tobacco companies responsible for his cancer death. Purdo v. R.J, Reynolds, et al., 2007-CA-024173.