Robert W. Johnson & Associates was retained to provide economic testimony quantifying Philip Morris, Inc.’s financial health, wealth and economic status regarding punitive damages. On October 4, 2002, the jury rendered a $28 Billion verdict, an unprecedented amount in the history of litigation.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Case: Betty Bullock v. Philip Morris, Incorporated, et al.
Court: Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles - Central District, Case No. BC 384224.
Plaintiff’s Attorney: Michael J. Piuze, Los Angeles, California.
Case Synopsis: The plaintiff, Betty Bullock, is a 63-year-old California woman who suffers from lung cancer. She started smoking in the 1950’s at the age of 17 and was diagnosed with cancer on February 19, 2001. It has since spread to her liver. She smoked cigarettes manufactured by Philip Morris, the nation’s largest cigarette manufacturer. Ms. Bullock was awarded $850,000 in compensatory damages (income and future medical expenses).
Expert Consultation: In this case, Mr. Johnson testified not only to Philip Morris, Inc.’s current financial health, wealth and economic status, but also to cumulative financial data dating back to 1967.
This cumulative financial data included sales of over $275 Billion and operating profits in excess of $75 Billion. When converted into 2002 dollars, the sales totaled over $360 Billion and the operating profits were in excess of $100 Billion. Mr. Johnson also testified that approximately 10% of all adult smokers in the U.S. reside in California.
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