We’ve been reporting periodically on the string of trials taking place in Florida in the wake of the Florida Supreme Court’s Engle decision, which tossed out a $145 billion punitive damages award against the tobacco industry and required the plaintiffs to assert their claims in individual trials.  This story in the Richmond-Times Dispatch reports that Philip Morris and other tobacco company defendants won a defense verdict yesterday, their sixth straight victory.  Despite some early victories for the plaintiffs in these trials, the tide seems to be turning in favor of the defense.

Related posts:

Florida Jury Awards Relatively Modest Punitive Damages in Smoker Lawsuit

Another Punitive Damages Award in Florida Tobacco Litigation

Florida Jury Awards $20 Million in Punitive Damages to Smoker’s Widow

Smoker’s Widow Wins $12.5 Million in Punitive Damages

Florida Trial Judge Cuts $244 Million Punitive Damages Award

Florida Jury Awards $25 Million in Punitive Damages to Smoker’s Widow

“Smokers, tobacco, both winners in early Engle cases”

Jury Rules For Plaintiff in First Phase of Retrial After Reversal of $145 Billion Punitive Damages Award

After Reversal of $145 Billion Class Action Punitive Damages Award, Florida Smokers Seek Punitive Damages in Individual Suits

Plaintiffs’ Attorneys Win $218 Million Fee Award for Helping Obtain a Punitive Damages Verdict that Was Reversed on Appeal