Philip Morris USA Inc. v. Allen

Andy R. Allen (“appellee”), as personal representative of the estate of his wife, Patricia Allen, and joined below at trial by his daughter in her individual capacity, sued R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Philip Morris USA Inc. (“appellants,” or “RJR” and “PM USA,” respectively), alleging appellants were liable for the wrongful death of Mrs. Allen at the age of sixty, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”). The evidence estab*469lished that Mrs. Allen had been a lifelong smoker of both RJR and PM USA’s cigarettes. Following a two-phase Engle1 trial, the jury found both appellants…