American Cancer Society Applauds Engle Jury Decision for Record Punitive Damages Against Big Tobacco

American Cancer Society
Friday, 14 July 2000

The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health organization, praised today's verdict by the Engle jury ordering the tobacco industry to pay $145 billion in punitive damages in the Florida class action suit.

"The tobacco industry's extreme and outrageous behavior has compromised the health of millions of Americans," said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D, Chief Executive Officer of the American Cancer Society. "We commend the Engle jurors for their courage and wisdom. When the dirty secrets of big tobacco were forced into the light of day in a public courtroom, six average Americans saw the truth. Their resounding verdict sends a message to Big Tobacco on behalf of all Americans that cannot be ignored – we will hold you accountable for your misdeeds and you won't get away with it again. "

The Miami jury today ordered big tobacco companies to pay $145 billion in punitive damages. The American Cancer Society has consistently viewed this lawsuit as one way in which to hold the tobacco industry accountable for past wrongdoing and prevent it from continuing to engage in similar behavior.

"The Supreme Court recently concluded that while the FDA does not currently have the authority to regulate tobacco products, tobacco use among children 'poses perhaps the greatest public health risk in America,'" added Dr. Seffrin. "Until Congress acts, the courts are among the only avenues available for Americans to seek recourse for the tobacco industry's harmful behavior."

Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in America, killing nearly 430,000 people each year. Thirty percent of all cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco-use. More than $50 billion is spent in health care costs each year to treat smokers suffering from cardiovascular disease, cancer and lung disease, and other related ailments.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org