Smoker Agrees to Accept Reduced Damage Award

A smoker dying of cancer agreed to have her verdict against Philip Morris Cos. reduced to $28 million from the $28 billion that a jury awarded. The world’s largest tobacco company has vowed to appeal any damages.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Warren Ettinger last week called the jury award “legally excessive” and gave Betty Bullock the option of accepting the lower amount or a new trial on punitive damages.

Bullock’s lawyer, Michael Piuze, said he still planned to appeal to reinstate the record $28-billion award.

Philip Morris wants the entire verdict reversed and a new trial.