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Smoker Who Won Landmark Tobacco Lawsuit Dies
January 22, 2002

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News Summary

Richard Boeken, 57, who won the largest judgment ever in an individual lawsuit against a tobacco company, has died from lung cancer, the Associated Press reported Jan. 18.

In June, Boeken won a $3 billion damage award against Philip Morris. The award was later reduced to $100 million.

Boeken started smoking at age 13, and for more than 40 years smoked at least two packs of Marlboro cigarettes a day. His lawsuit held Philip Morris responsible for negligence, misrepresentation, fraud, and selling a defective product.

Philip Morris is appealing the reduced award. "We still believe the verdict was incorrect and will continue to pursue the appeal," said company spokesman John Sorrells.

Any damage award after the appeal would go to Boeken's estate.

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