This week, “the nation's largest tobacco maker is asking the Supreme Court to throw out court rulings holding that the industry illegally concealed the dangers of cigarette smoking” (AP Washington, 2/19). Several other tobacco companies and the Obama administration, who is seeking billions from the tobacco industry, are expected to file separate appeals soon.”
The court papers assert that the Supreme Court should review a federal Court of Appeals ruling upholding (largely) a trial court finding that the “industry engaged in racketeering and fraud.” Phillip Morris USA who manufactures Marlboro cigarettes and more than a dozen other brands vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
As a personal injury attorney with experience in tobacco related tort and product liability cases, I sincerely hope the Supreme Court holds tobacco makers responsible for all the damage, pain, and suffering they have caused to so many people.
