U.S. Supreme Court Can’t Get Enough of Philip Morris
Word today is that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear for the third time the appeal of Philip Morris in Williams v. Philip Morris. By way of full disclosure, I have represented on a pro bono basis (lawyer talk meaning, without pay; for the good of the public) various public interest groups who have urged the Court to affirm to the $79 million judgment against Philip Morris. Interestingly, this result pales against the recent Adidas verdict, that included a punitive damage award of $137 million, without a single consumer death. Oh, but I’m digressing.
They can’t seem to let this one go. Is it because an Oregon jury concluded that Philip Morris should answer for its misconduct? Or is that the Oregon Supreme Court, which finds in favor of Philip Morris sometimes and against sometimes, failed to reach the U.S. Supreme Court’s desired result?
My thoughts are with the Williams family and my brave friends who have carried the burden of representing them. They’ve been through a long fight for justice. I suppose they’re wise and philosophical, knowing that they will see this through to the end.
David Sugerman
Tags: Philip Morris, Portland personal injury lawyer, tobacco, U.S. Supreme Court, Williams