Smoker Awarded $8 Million From Tobacco Company

A federal jury in Bridgeport, Connecticut has awarded a woman $8 million in what is believed to be the first successful product liability lawsuit in Connecticut by an individual plaintiff against a tobacco company.

Should we expect to start seeing more cases against tobacco companies?

Barbara Izzarelli, who began smoking as a teen in the mid ’70s, continued her habit of daily heavy smoking for 20 years, when in 1996 she was diagnosed with larynx cancer. After undergoing a total laryngectomy, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Izzarelli can no longer breathe through her mouth or nose and eats a diet that no longer includes solid foods.

“We’re disappointed in the decision in this matter,” said David Howard, a spokesman for R.J. Reynolds. “We have several grounds for appeal and we are confident in our defenses going forward.”

The tobacco company plans to appeal the verdict.

The litigation against tobacco makers has been a well publicized, and controversial, legal action of the last couple decades. Lawsuits have been put forth by individuals with little success… until now.

The breakthrough success is being attributed to the recent location of documents that reveal that tobacco companies targeted minors in their marketing.

“Smokers are entitled to show they were the victim of illegal marketing,” said Izzarelli’s lead attorney, David GolubGolub. “I thought this was a case that could show that and other people would be encouraged to bring cases.”

Golub has filed two additional cases against tobacco companies.