Products Liability Law Reporter
Verdicts & Settlements: Tobacco
You must be a Products Liability Law Reporter subscriber to access this content.
If you are a member of the Products Liability Section or a subscriber, log in below. Not yet a Section member? Join today!
Join the Products Liability SectionAlready a subscriber? Log in
Defective design of cigarettes
February 6, 2024Beginning when he was 10 years old, Joseph Reppucci smoked various brands of cigarettes, including Lucky Strike, Merit, Marlboro, and Natural American Spirit. He continued smoking for approximately 55 years. In 2018, he was diagnosed as having throat and neck cancer and has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Reppucci and his wife sued R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., alleging defective design, negligent marketing, fraudulent misrepresentation, and concerted action.
The jury awarded over $20 million, including approximately $685,600 for medical expenses and $5.7 million for loss of consortium.
Citation: Reppucci v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., No. 2081-CV-02905 (Mass. Super. Ct. Middlesex Cnty. Nov. 29, 2023).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Kevin Donovan, Boston.
