Class Action Suit OKd for Smokers of 'Light' Cigarettes

By Brian Cole

Published on September 26, 2006

The suit was filed in 2004 against Philip Morris USA, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, as well as other cigarette companies. Attorney Micheal Hausfeld said the case may become one of the biggest class action suits ever. The list of plaintiffs could comprise anyone who purchased cigarettes labeled “light" or “lights" since their introduction in the 1970s.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers say the marketing of light cigarettes was simply a ploy to counter the mounting health concerns over smoking. They claim that cigarette manufacturers knew the risks of light cigarettes were similar to regular cigarettes.

Legal experts believe the number of plaintiffs could reach 60 million and the dollar amount in damages could be astronomical as well.

The case potentially represents a major blow to Big Tobacco. This is especially so for Philip Morris’ parent company, Altria, which was forced to delay a restructuring plan involving the sale of its controlling stake in Kraft Foods.

The tobacco companies are planning to appeal.

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