The trust is seeking damages for death and disease associated with the combination of asbestos and cigarettes.

Trust attorney Ed Westbrook said for decades the tobacco industry had hidden and distorted scientific findings that indicated asbestos workers who smoked were five times more likely to get lung disease than the average smoker. But lawyers for Big Tobacco argued that the trust is trying to shift blame and costly liabilities from a bankrupt asbestos manufacturer to cigarette makers.

Thomas Schroeder, an attorney for R.J. Reynolds, stated that the asbestos manufacturer had a history of deceiving workers about health risks.

The civil fraud case could result in damages exceeding $3 billion.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by LindaV.P.Rhodes on 10 Oct 08 07:59 AM EDT

To Who This May Concern; I am waiting on an decison for the the death of my husband for smoking and asbestos.I am not satisfied of the attorney thats taken this case because I found out that hes' afiliated with the place of employment where my husband has worked.Id' just Found out after the hearing, and if I lose I will be appealing this case and looking for another attorney.I myself has asbestosis and has worked where my husband was employed.This attorney also represents me in a personal injury case.He needs to be dismissed from this case.

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