Judge Denies B&W;’s Bid for Verdict Reversal

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. failed in its first attempt to reverse a verdict in which a jury awarded a cancer-stricken ex-smoker $750,000. Circuit Judge Brian J. Davis rejected the tobacco company’s claim that it did not receive a fair trial and that the verdict should be reversed. B&W; had argued that the admission of its internal documents caused unfair prejudice. Documents showed that the company had long known that nicotine was addictive and had concealed it from the public. The company has the option of appealing to a higher court. The jury award in favor of former air traffic controller Grady Carter was the first against the tobacco giant. Carter smoked for 44 years.