Washington State’s Suit to Go Forward

A judge in Seattle rejected a request by tobacco companies for a last-minute delay in the trial of Washington state’s suit seeking $3.3 billion in smoking-related damages from cigarette makers. The tobacco companies had sought a delay, arguing that it would confuse jurors if the two major cigarette makers in the case that were still negotiating with states over a possible settlement were later dropped from the trial, due to begin today. Last month, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., a unit of BAT Industries, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., a unit of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., dropped out of the talks. Philip Morris Cos. and Lorillard Tobacco Co., a unit of Loews Corp., are still participating in negotiations. King County Superior Court Judge George Finkle denied the trial-delay motion, saying there was no assurance that Washington Atty. Gen. Christine Gregoire would reach a settlement with Philip Morris and Lorillard. He said any juror confusion could be dispelled through appropriate jury instructions.