Florida Jury Gets Closing Arguments in Key Tobacco Liability Trial

February 13, 2009

  • February 13, 2009 at 8:00 am
    Calif Ex Pat says:
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    Hey Mark – you need to smoke more – now – to deal with your stress over being unable to simply stop a voluntary action.
    Oh yes, I am a quit smoker (since 1967) and I loathe tobacco companies, and particularly those currently smoking (such as yourself you weak suck) their lethal products.

    There IS a solution to addiction – so choose to surrender to that instead of surrendering to your drug of choice

  • February 13, 2009 at 11:59 am
    Mark says:
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    Well I am happy for you! Your able to have that strength to quit.It’s not an easy task.I had quit and tha addiction to the nicotine was so great I returned after it threatened my job,my relationships and make major changes in my life.
    If you DON’T agree with what I said then I ask you why?

  • February 13, 2009 at 3:15 am
    Paul says:
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    Here’s the latest on this case:

    FORT LAUDERDALE – A Broward County jury on Thursday found a lung cancer victim who chain-smoked at least two packs of cigarettes a day for decades was helplessly addicted to nicotine as his widow claimed in a lawsuit seeking damages for his death from tobacco giant Philip Morris. The trial will move on to another phase tomorrow to determine fault and liability — how much Philip Morris might have to pay in damages.

    Hess testified Monday that her husband of 32 years smoked from the moment he awoke in the morning, used one cigarette to light the next and failed at repeated attempts to quit. Stuart Hess, a self-employed, family man, smoked as a means of dealing with stress, Reilly said.

    Philip Morris attorneys contend that Stuart Hess could have quit had he truly tried. That is evidenced, they said, when Stuart Hess quit smoking for several months after a 1993 stay in the hospital.
    “When he is sufficiently motivated, he can stop smoking,” said Kenneth Reilly, attorney for Philip Morris.”

    This loser died at age 55. He smoked to “deal with stress”. He could have used prescription drugs to help with that. Now his widow wants support money they never planned for. I can only hope the jury awards her $1.00 to prevent an appeal of a defense verdict. This is no different than someone who abuses alcohol or drugs.

  • February 13, 2009 at 4:31 am
    Mark says:
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    Horse s—! The government sshould close the tobacco companies down if this is the type of arrogant approach they are going to take.
    I am addicted to cigarettes myself.I have tried every type of medication,self help,cold turkey way to quit and find myself picking up those GD things a smoking.

    I SAY BAN THEM ALTOGETHER! IF YOU CANNOT BUY THEM THEN PEOPLE CANNOT SUE THE TOBACCO COMPANIES BECAUSE THEY WILL BE OUT OF BUSINESS!

    WHAT A SARCHASTIC REMARK BY THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY.

    i HOPE YOU ALL ROT IN HELL BECAUSE TOBACCO COMPANIES HAVE RUINED MORE LIVES AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTIUE TO PRODUCE A PRODUCT THAT IS KNOWN TO KILL YET THEY ARE NOT BEING CHARGED WITH FELONY MURDER!

  • February 15, 2009 at 8:23 am
    Calif Ex Pat says:
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    Mark – to paraphrase Napoleon: “never assume malice when indifference or ignorance will answer”. Tobacco companies were formed to meet a consumer demand and not for the single purpose of ruining the health and lives of their customers. You might wish to search out an old movie (1943) called “Bright Leaf” – a puff piece for the tobacco folks starring Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan – explains the then prevailing attitude towards the stuff.

    Blaming the tobacco companies for your inability – no, your unwillingness – to seek a nicotine free life is pointless and is equivalent to blaming the weather man when it rains.

    No doubt you are addicted to nicotine (I know I am). Addiction means no cure – ever ! There is a solution however – abstinence on a daily basis. I have known many many individuals in my 70 plus years on the planet who have put down the ciggies and you can too. The secret is to not smoke NOW – give yourself permission to light up in 15 minutes, but just not NOW. Then in 15 minutes you can make another decision to not smoke for, say 30 more minutes…and so forth.

    A nicotine withdrawal lasts 72 to 96 hours after which time it no longer the compulsion of the body which lures the unwary back to active addiction but the obsession of the mind. So seek out the companionship of quit smokers and focus on being helpful to others instead of dwelling on your own challenges.

    Good luck



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