Tobacco Company wins in Steele case
05/14/99
A Kansas City federal jury ruled that the Brown and Willaimson Tobacco Company was not liable for the death of Charles Steele, who died of lung cancer after smoking KOOL cigarettes for several years.
The jury deliberated for a little more than a day, before returning a verdict of 'zero percent fault' on the part of the tobacco company. Jury foreman, Gary White, said that deliberations focused on the testimony that Steele was aware of the risks associated with smoking and still chose to continue. The case was brought by the family of Charles Steele, seeking more than $25 million in damages, alleging that the tobacco company was negligent in the research, testing, and design of its products.
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