Holding Corporations Accountable

For decades, tobacco companies knowingly misled the public about the dangers of smoking. They marketed cigarettes as a glamorous and even “healthy” pastime, despite overwhelming evidence that tobacco use causes cancer, emphysema, heart disease, and countless other fatal conditions. After years of denial, Big Tobacco is finally being held accountable in courtrooms across the country.

The Landmark Florida Verdict

One of the most significant victories against the tobacco industry came when a Florida jury ordered Philip Morris to pay $8 million to the widow of Stuart Hess, a lifelong chain smoker who died of lung cancer. Philip Morris immediately announced plans to appeal, but the ruling marked a critical turning point. It was the first of nearly 8,000 lawsuits filed in Florida against tobacco companies — each representing a family devastated by corporate negligence and greed.

The Lies Exposed in Court

During the trial, jurors were shown video footage from 1994 congressional testimony in which top executives from the major tobacco companies famously denied that smoking was addictive. These denials have since been discredited by decades of scientific and medical evidence. The video became a powerful reminder of how far corporations were willing to go to protect profits, even at the expense of millions of lives.

Deceptive Marketing and Celebrity Endorsements

For much of the 20th century, tobacco companies aggressively marketed their products through television, radio, and magazines. Their advertising campaigns often featured beloved celebrities, athletes, and cultural icons, creating the illusion that smoking was not only safe but also fashionable and sophisticated.

• Bing Crosby: The famous crooner endorsed cigarette brands as being “milder,” suggesting they were gentle on the throat. If a world-class singer could smoke and sing, the message was clear — smoking was harmless.
• John Wayne: The legendary actor was another key endorser, reportedly smoking up to five packs a day. He later died of lung cancer in 1979, becoming a tragic symbol of the health risks the industry downplayed for decades.

These endorsements demonstrate how Big Tobacco used fame and influence to target average Americans, luring generation after generation into nicotine addiction.

The True Cost of Tobacco

Despite countless lawsuits, the human cost of tobacco cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States.
• For every person who dies, at least 30 others live with serious smoking-related illnesses.
• The economic cost of smoking exceeds $300 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.

While financial penalties against Big Tobacco are important, they cannot erase the suffering endured by millions of families.

Legal Accountability and the Path Forward

The lawsuits against tobacco companies are more than just about money — they represent a push for accountability. They send a message that corporations cannot conceal known dangers and profit from misleading advertising. These cases have also paved the way for other product liability lawsuits against companies that put profits before safety, including cases involving defective drugs, auto parts, and consumer products.

What Victims and Families Can Do

If you or a loved one has suffered from smoking-related illness, or if you believe deceptive marketing and corporate negligence contributed to your family’s loss, it’s important to understand your rights. While the fight against Big Tobacco has spanned decades, wrongful death claims and personal injury lawsuits continue to play a critical role in holding corporations accountable and securing justice for victims.

💼 Holding Negligent Corporations Accountable

Whether it’s tobacco companies hiding health risks or corporations selling defective products, no family should suffer because of corporate negligence. Attorney Art Majlessi has decades of experience representing victims in personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability cases across California.

• ⚖️ Proven track record in high-profile product liability litigation
• 📅 Free consultation to review your case
• 💰 No legal fees unless we win

📞 Call (310) 724-6222 or (415) 629-0109
📨 Or submit your case online today to discuss your legal options with California’s trusted product liability attorney.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation.