$270 Million Louisiana Judgment Against Big Tobacco Is Upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court

On June 27, 2011, the United States Supreme Court in Philip Morris v. Jackson, 10-735, denied a request from Big Tobacco to overturn a 2004 Louisiana judgment totaling $270 million to fund a ten-year smoking cessation program that will include medications, telephone quit lines, health intervention systems, and intensive cessation programs for Louisiana residents within the defined class. The Louisiana jury found that cigarette makers hid the health risks of smoking and committed fraud. Big Tobacco argued that the Louisiana judgment violated the due process clause of the United Constitution because it does not require proof of individualized reliance on the misrepresentations by Big Tobacco.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana injury attorney, Scott Andrews, with the law office of Dué Guidry Piedrahita Andrews Courrege L.C., served on the Trial Team in the Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. litigation. In 2004, a New Orleans, Louisiana jury awarded $591 million. The amount was reduced on appeal to $242 million. Together with post-judgment interest, the total award is approximately $270 million. The judgment in the lawsuit first filed in 1996 is now final. Scott Andrews hopes that every Louisiana smoker within the class finally gets the help and assistance they need to combat their tobacco addiction.