West Palm Beach, FL—Jurors last week imposed a $500,000 punitive verdict against R.J. Reynolds but cleared Philip Morris of punitive responsibility over a long-time smoker’s cancer. Perrotto v. R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, 2007CA023841.

The verdict followed eight days of proceedings limited to punitive liability against the tobacco companies for Nick Perrotto’s lung cancer, and came four years after a compensatory award in the case because of a Florida Supreme Court decision expanding punitive claims against tobacco companies in similar lawsuits.

Nick Perrotto smoked for 40 years before doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer ...