Judge Cuts Damages Against Philip Morris

An Oregon judge reduced a damage award against Philip Morris to the family of a dead smoker to $100million from $150 million.

“It’s always tough to see $50million go,” said Chuck Tauman, an attorney for survivors of Michelle Schwarz, who died of lung cancer in 1999. “It’s still a substantial award, and it still accomplished the goal to get the word out” about the company’s business practices.

The lawsuit tested a new legal approach, with Schwarz’s relatives claiming Philip Morris lied to smokers about the health risks associated with low-tar products. Similar claims have been brought across the country.

Judge Roosevelt Robinson reduced the jury’s award to the same size as an earlier California verdict that stands as the largest individual award against Philip Morris.

Philip Morris said it intended to appeal the reduced award. Schwarz’s family said it hadn’t decided whether to challenge Robinson’s decision to reduce the award.

Shares of Philip Morris slipped 37 cents to $54.90 on the NYSE.