R.J. Reynolds wins jury verdict in Dupre "Engle progeny" trial

Client(s) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Jones Day client R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company obtained a complete defense verdict in an "Engle progeny" case in which the plaintiff alleged her husband, Richard Dupre, had died at age 45 due to being addicted to R.J. Reynolds' cigarettes. Following a two-and-a-half week trial, the jury determined that Mr. Dupre's death was not caused by an addiction to R.J. Reynolds' cigarettes. The case had previously gone to trial twice, with the first trial resulting in a hung jury and the second trial resulting in a mistrial after plaintiff's counsel failed to disclose newly developed witness testimony.

Dupre ex rel. Dupre v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 41-2011-CA-005529 (Fla. 12th Cir.)