Broward County Florida jury awards widow of smoker $1.5 million..

May 13, 2009 - A Hollywood, Florida widow was awarded about $1.5 for million for the death of her husband, who died of lung cancer at the age of 69 in 1996 after smoking three to four packs of Winston cigarettes a day.

The jury on Friday decided in R.J. Reynolds Tobacco's favor on four of five counts, but on the fifth count found that John Sherman's death was caused by the company concealing information about the health effects of cigarettes. The jury assigned equal responsibility between Sherman and the company for his death. Gary Paige, attorney for widow Melba Sherman, said she is ``very grateful.''

R.J. Reynolds vowed to appeal.

Cigarette Makers Face Thousands of New Florida Lawsuits..

Reference: Broward jury awards widow of smoker $1.5 million.

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