PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Portland jury is reconsidering a damage award against Philip Morris in a suit over low-tar cigarettes that goes back more than a decade.
In 2002, a jury awarded $150 million in punitive damages after finding Philip Morris deceived Michelle Schwarz of Salem into thinking low-tar cigarettes were a healthier alternative.
In appeals, the amount was reduced to $100 million, and then the award was sent back for reconsideration.
The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/wgQhDg) the case could be another windfall for Oregon’s crime victim compensation fund, which reaped millions after the conclusion of a suit a Portland janitor’s family filed against Philip Morris.
