Widow awarded $23 billion in lawsuit against cigarette maker
- 10 years ago
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNTHIA MARIE JOHNSON ROBINSON, PLAINTIFF, SAYING:
"He would smoke every day, you know, he'd get up in the morning, go in the bathroom, shower, smoke."
Cynthia Johnson remembers her late husband's smoking habits well.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNTHIA MARIE JOHNSON ROBINSON, PLAINTIFF, SAYING:
"I'm not around him at work, but if I show up, some days, he'd smoking. But at night, he's smoking. He lights a cigarette off of a cigarette."
Michael Johnson died of lung cancer in 1996.
Now, with the help of her attorneys, Cynthia is getting compensated for her loss.
A Florida jury has awarded her $23 billion in a wrongful death lawsuit against RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, the nation's second-biggest cigarette maker.
Cynthia claimed that the company conspired to conceal the dangers and addictive nature of its products.
Her attorney, Willie Gary, says the verdict sends a message.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WILLIE GARY, ATTO
"He would smoke every day, you know, he'd get up in the morning, go in the bathroom, shower, smoke."
Cynthia Johnson remembers her late husband's smoking habits well.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNTHIA MARIE JOHNSON ROBINSON, PLAINTIFF, SAYING:
"I'm not around him at work, but if I show up, some days, he'd smoking. But at night, he's smoking. He lights a cigarette off of a cigarette."
Michael Johnson died of lung cancer in 1996.
Now, with the help of her attorneys, Cynthia is getting compensated for her loss.
A Florida jury has awarded her $23 billion in a wrongful death lawsuit against RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, the nation's second-biggest cigarette maker.
Cynthia claimed that the company conspired to conceal the dangers and addictive nature of its products.
Her attorney, Willie Gary, says the verdict sends a message.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WILLIE GARY, ATTO