Cigarette Company Liable for Veteran’s Smoking-Related Illness

A Florida Circuit Court jury found cigarette company R.J. Reynolds partially responsible for a World War II veteran’s smoking-related illness. The court ordered R.J. Reynolds to pay $6 million to Malcolm Fox’s widow, Blanche Fox.

According to the family’s attorney, Fox’s nicotine addiction led him to smoke cigarettes for 50 years. Consequently, Fox suffered from heart and lung disease. He died in 2006 at the age of 82.

The jury determined that smoking did not cause Fox’s death. However, they awarded the compensation for his pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, and aggravation of a disease or physical defect or loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. These issues, they say, resulted from his smoking-related illness.

Smoking-Related Illness Partly the Fault of Tobacco Company

Blanche Fox’s attorney says the tobacco companies have consistently tried to blame smokers for their own addiction and suffering. However, the jury in this case agreed that cigarettes are addictive, and cigarette companies bear partial responsibility for the harmful consequences.  

Last year, R.J. Reynolds was ordered to pay $28 million to a long-term smoker who suffered from laryngeal cancer as a result of her smoking habit.

“We have likely on seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cases against tobacco companies. The companies can no longer deny the science proving cigarettes are both addictive and dangerous,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

Recent Posts
Popular Tags

Walter Clark Legal Group

Walter Clark Legal Group
N/a
Skip to content