$27M Awarded in Philip Morris Personal Injury Lawsuit

Los Angeles, CA: A $27 million personal injury verdict has been awarded in favor of plaintiff Judith Berger, who started smoking in 1958 and against the defendant, Philip Morris USA Inc. The $27 million verdict includes a punitive damages award of $20,760,000 and 14 cents.

Berger began smoking at the age of 14, and during the trial evidence was presented which showed that 90 percent of people who smoke daily begin as teenagers, and this demographic is deliberately targeted by the tobacco industry in full knowledge of the addictive properties of tobacco. To that end, the jury heard evidence that the earlier a person begins smoking, the more likely they are to become addicted and the stronger that addiction.

Berger smoked filter cigarettes that were marketed as safer, and later smoked light cigarettes, which was, according to evidence presented, in line with the Philip Morris' marketing strategy. A lawyer for Berger said that light cigarettes were no safer, and the evidence showed Philip Morris officials knew that.

The case is entitled Judith Berger v. R.J. Reynolds, et. al, Case No. 3:09-CV-14157.

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Published on Sep-24-14