R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. Buonomo

In this Engle1 progeny case, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR) appeals a jury verdict in favor of plaintiff, as personal representative of the estate of her late husband, on personal injury and wrongful death claims based on strict liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, and conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment. The jury apportioned 77.5% of the fault to RJR and 22.5% to the smoker, awarding $5,235,000 in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. Faced with RJR’s motion for remittitur, the trial court reduced the compensatory damages to account for the percentage…