In a 5-4 decision the Supreme Court allowed a class action lawsuit to go forward brought by smokers of light cigarettes against Altria and its Phillip Morris unit for fraud.
The case was brought by Maine smokers under the state’s consumer protection law alleging they had been harmed by the tobacco company’s false statements that “light” cigarettes were safer than regular ones.
The smokers were not suing for damages based on harm to their health caused by cigarettes, but rather were claiming only economic harm caused by the deceptive labeling; in other words, they claim they overpaid for cigarettes because smokers of light cigarettes puff harder and more frequently to get the same effect.
The tobacco companies had argued that the state law claim was preempted by federal law.
Bookmark/share a post
Interested in a class action suit against the makers of the “safer” cigarettes
Smoked for 32 pack years. Had triple by pass in June, 1996, despite switching from regular filterd cigarettes for several years. Later diagnosed with asthma and COPD.The diagnosis of small cell lung cancer was next given onle a few months to live, despite a lobectomy of my left upper lung. Atrial fibrillation was exsorbated at the time.
Had triple by-pass in June, 1996 after several years of trying to quit smoking by switching to Marlboro lights. Later , diagnosed ith copd and subsequently small cell lung cancer. Looking to join a class action law suit against the makers of light cigarettes.
Have not been able to find a law firm in Florida interested in this subject matter. I understand only a few states ,e.g NY are seeking action in this matter.
Classic tobacco cigarettes are so passé, hooray for the revolutionary electronic cigarette and e-cigar! ^^