Florida Jury Finds R.J. Reynolds Negligent

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. was told to pay about $200,000 in compensatory damages to the family of a deceased Florida smoker. The state court jury declined to award punitive damages. The six jurors, who began deliberations Wednesday, decided the company was negligent in making a dangerous product that caused the death of Suzanne Jones. The 62-year-old mother of one, who smoked for 42 years, suffered from lung and colon cancer. Attorneys for the tobacco company argued that Jones knew the health risks of cigarettes and said her illness was caused by a tumor in her colon unrelated to smoking. The jurors rejected a conspiracy claim against R.J. Reynolds. The company said it would appeal if it fails to persuade the presiding judge to throw out the verdict. Shares in Winston Salem, N.C.-based R.J. Reynolds closed up 25 cents at $33.25 on the NYSE.