Los Angeles Jury Awards $17.7 Million to Widow of Retired Navy Captain

Since we last caught up with Mrs. Major’s lawsuit against Lorillard Tobacco Co., a Los Angeles jury has returned a verdict in favor of the widow of sixteen years. Mrs. Tajie Major, who lost her husband in 1998, was awarded $17.7 million dollars on July 30, 2014. The jury’s decision was a unanimous one.

Mrs. Major lost her husband to lung cancer after smoking tobacco cigarettes for twenty-six years. Our own senior trial partner, Gil Purcell, represented Mrs. Major in the case which was originally filed in 1999. “We are most appreciative of the witnesses with the courage and resolve to come forward and mete out some justice against tobacco companies who profit from mass-produced addiction and misery,” he said in a press release.

Despite the defendants arguing that Mr. Major was aware of the dangers of smoking tobacco during many years of his life, the jury found that Lorillard Tobacco Co. was guilty of putting sales before safety in the manufacturing and marketing of their products.

This is an astounding victory to announce on World Lung Cancer Day, as cigarette companies are still marketing their deadly products to young consumers. We hope this verdict paves the way for a healthier future for all.