OTHER NEWS - Oct. 29, 1994

Lawsuit Expanded Against Tobacco Firms: The suit, which alleges that major cigarette makers concealed the addictive nature of nicotine in their products, now covers all U.S. smokers who were unable to quit smoking. The suit was initiated by six smokers and seeks a stunning $200 billion in compensatory and punitive damages from tobacco companies. The case hinges on addiction claims rather than physical harm, the line of argument pursued in past smoking lawsuits. Dade Circuit Judge Harold Solomon in Miami ruled that he would certify the case as a class-action suit covering all people who have died or become ill from smoking-related diseases. The defendants include R.J. Reynolds, Philip Morris, Lorillard, American Tobacco, Brown & Williamson and Liggett Group.