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Philip Morris to Pay $3 Billion to a Smoker
A U.S. jury Wednesday awarded a cancer-stricken smoker more than $3 billion from tobacco giant Philip Morris, the largest judgment against a cigarette maker in a lawsuit brought by an individual.
The Superior Court jury of California found against Philip Morris on all six claims of fraud, negligence and making a defective product.
Richard Boeken, 56, of Topanga was awarded $3 billion in punitive damages and $5.5 million in general damages.
It was the largest jury award won by an individual against a cigarette maker. The largest judgment against the tobacco industry in a class-action lawsuit was $145 billion awarded last year to thousands of sick Florida smokers. Philip Morris was one of five tobacco companies in that case.
Boeken, who suffers from incurable lung cancer, smiled and gave a thumbs-up sign as the 18-page verdict was read. He declined to speak to reporters after the hearing.
Philip Morris attorney Maurice Leiter said he will appeal.
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