R.J. Reynolds wins complete defense verdict in Youngers smoking and health lawsuit
Client(s) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Following two weeks of trial, a jury in state court in Santa Fe, New Mexico returned a complete defense verdict in favor of Jones Day client, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, in a smoking and health case. The wrongful death suit was also brought against two retailers, Brewer Oil and Allsup's, where Plaintiff purchased cigarettes, and Jones Day undertook the defense of both retailer defendants in addition to R.J. Reynolds. The claims tried to the jury were strict product liability as to R.J. Reynolds and the retailers; and solely as to R.J. Reynolds, negligent design and civil conspiracy to maintain and enhance the market for its allegedly defective cigarettes. Plaintiff sought $23.6 million in compensatory and punitive damages. After deliberating for two hours, the jury returned a complete defense verdict for R.J. Reynolds, Allsup's, and Brewer Oil, rejecting all three causes of action.
Youngers as P.R. for the Estate of Archuleta v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., D-101-CV-2020-01693 (N.M. 1st Jud. Dist. Ct.)
