Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
The problem is we smokers know the dangers but many of us are unable to quit regardless of methods tried. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin and hits the brain faster than crack cocaine. Cigarette companies did and do target teens and there are few teens with a lot of common sense when it comes to trying something new -- especially if an idol does it.
As always, the tobacco company will appeal this verdict and, more than likely, win. Yes, it makes millions for attorneys but, sooner or later, a verdict will be upheld and then maybe, just maybe, the tobacco industry will be put on notice that past and present practices are not acceptable. (Think asbestos companies that knew the dangers of asbestos in the 20s and did nothing to protect those who worked with it. Tobacco companies knew the dangers of cigarettes for just as long and have done nothing to protect the consumer and did not warn consumers for decades.)
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Well said. The kid was 13 years old when he started smoking, and we all know cigarettes were heavily marketed to teens as being cool, sexy, and in earlier years as even offering health benefits! A thirteen year old isn't going to be able to sit and juggle the conflicting messages he is receiving about cigarettes and make an informed decision. And of course he quickly became hooked, i.e. addicted, which was the crux of the lawsuit. He died at age 36. How do you look at one's life and put a monetary amount on its worth, had he not smoked and lived another 50 years? The settlement was obviously designed to make a statement to the tobacco companies, and will certainly be appealed, but I hope the family still ends up with a good settlement.