Examining The Largest Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement In Florida
In 2000, a jury in Miami awarded $11.4 billion in compensatory damages to a class of 700,000 Florida smokers and their families who filed a lawsuit against cigarette manufacturer, Philip Morris USA. The lawsuit claimed that the company misled consumers about the dangers of smoking and nicotine addiction. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all Florida residents who had suffered a smoking-related illness or lost a family member due to smoking.
The verdict was later reduced to $145 million by a state appeals court, but it was still one of the largest personal injury settlements in history. The case was the first of its kind to successfully argue that tobacco companies had engaged in a conspiracy to conceal the dangers of smoking.
The case also led to the creation of the Engle Progeny cases, a series of individual lawsuits that were filed by smokers in Florida who suffered from smoking-related illnesses. These cases were filed after the Florida Supreme Court upheld the Engle verdict and allowed smokers to sue tobacco companies individually.
The Engle Progeny cases resulted in several large settlements and verdicts against tobacco companies, including a $100 million settlement with R.J. Reynolds in 2015 and a $35 million verdict against Philip Morris in 2017.
In conclusion, the $11.4 billion verdict against Philip Morris in 2000 was the largest personal injury lawsuit settlement in Florida and one of the largest in history. The case paved the way for other smokers to file lawsuits against tobacco companies and seek compensation for their injuries.
If you’ve been injured and are interested in filing a personal injury lawsuit, follow these steps:
Filing a personal injury lawsuit involves several steps, including:
- Gathering evidence: Collect any evidence related to the incident, such as photos, medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documents.
- Consult with an attorney: It is recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action.
- Determine the statute of limitations: The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit and varies from state to state.
- File a complaint: The complaint is the document that initiates a lawsuit and is filed with the court. The complaint must include a description of the incident, the injuries sustained, and the damages you are seeking.
- Serve the defendant: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit by being served with a copy of the complaint and a summons.
- Respond to discovery: Discovery is the process where each side can request information and documents from the other side. This process can include written questions, depositions, and requests for documents.
- Settlement negotiations: Before trial, the parties may engage in settlement negotiations to try to resolve the case without going to court.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. A judge or jury will hear evidence and make a decision on the case.
