Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Responsibility of the tobbaco industries

If a 12 year old found easy access to cigarette machines in 1974 and became hooked on cigarettes, and now suffers with cronic sinusitis and bronichsitis. Also, this person has been employed as a receptionist most of her life. Which she now has a hard finding employment as a receptionist because of a voice that has become very harsh and raspy. Is there anyway the tobbaco industry can be held accountable for a 12 year old child becomming addicted to cigarettes?


Asked on 6/28/99, 9:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Responsibility of the tobbaco industries

If you've been following the various tobacco cases that have been tried recently, you know that the tobacco companies usually win these cases, although of late there have been a few successes, like the case in Florida yesterday. However, even when plaintiffs have won at the trial level, often the verdicts are thrown out on appeal. Your case is somewha novel in that it involves a minor. Remember that the tobacco companies don't control the vending machines, the vending companies and retailers who make them available to consumers do. Thus, you may have other sources of recovery. Remember, though, that these cases are very expensive to take to court and rarely if ever are settled.

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Answered on 7/08/99, 5:12 pm


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