The family of a Tampa woman who died from lung cancer has been awarded $13.1 million in damages after a jury found she was addicted to cigarettes.
The estate of Jayme Ann Westmoreland, who died at 47, sued Liggett Group LLC, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Philip Morris USA Inc., Lorillard Tobacco Co. and Vector Group Ltd. Inc., alleging claims of products liability. All defendants except Liggett Group were dismissed before trial. Liggett denied all claims and argued Westmoreland knew smoking’s risks and bore responsibility for her decision to smoke.
