American Tobacco company Philip Morris has been instructed by a Florida jury to make a payout of $300 million in compensation to an ex-smoker who is seriously ill.
The woman, 61-year old Cindy Naugle, developed emphysema, a disease commonly linked to years of smoking cigarettes. She was restricted to a wheelchair when attending court.
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The jury at Broward Circuit Court awarded her $56 million to cover medical expenses, and an additional $244 million in punitive damages. Punitive damages are used to punish a defendant.
Philip Morris immediately objected to the jury’s decision, saying the ruling came after a trial which included a number of “erroneous rulings” by the presiding judge.
In a statement released following the verdict, lawyer Murray Garnick, representing Philip Morris, said he was extremely unhappy with the amount of punitive damages awarded.
He said: “We believe that the punitive damages award is grossly excessive and a clear violation of constitutional and state law.”
The Philip Morris statement added that the company is reviewing the verdict.
Philip Morris was founded in New York in 1902 and is the largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States, with an almost 50% share of the market. The company’s brands include Marlboro, Alpine, Benson & Hedges, Philip Morris, Bristol, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Commander, Parliament, Players, Saratoga and Virginia Slims.