Individual Cases

Philip Morris USA is named as a defendant in lawsuits filed in various states by smokers or former smokers (or the representatives of their estates) seeking damages for injuries allegedly caused by long-term use of cigarettes.  Plaintiffs in these cases generally claim that Philip Morris USA is legally responsible for their injuries because Philip Morris USA failed to adequately warn about the dangers of smoking; designed and marketed a defective product; and committed fraud by making false statements and concealing information about the dangers of smoking.  Plaintiffs often assert that when they started smoking, they were confused about the health risks as a result of the “false controversy” the tobacco industry created concerning the dangers of smoking, and by the time they became aware of the true health risks associated with cigarette use, they were addicted and unable to stop smoking.

Philip Morris USA denies that it is legally responsible for plaintiffs’ injuries in these cases.  Philip Morris USA denies that any negligence or wrongful conduct on its part caused the plaintiffs to take up or continue smoking. In most cases, Philip Morris USA contends that the plaintiffs knew about the risks of smoking and made a choice to smoke.