R.J. Reynolds wins complete defense verdict in Oregon personal injury lawsuit

Client(s) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

On February 19, 2021, after a two-week trial, a jury in Portland, Oregon returned a complete defense verdict on behalf of Jones Day client R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in a personal injury lawsuit. Plaintiffs Mrs. Patricia Rickman and Mr. Jason Rickman filed a claim against Reynolds alleging fraud. Plaintiffs claimed that Mrs. Rickman relied on representations from Reynolds, and that her reliance caused her to develop lung cancer in 2018. Plaintiffs sought $14.7 million in compensatory damages and $125 million in punitive damages. After one day of deliberations, the 12-person Portland jury returned a verdict in Reynolds' favor.

Rickman v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, No. 19CV28636 (Cir. Ct. Multnomah Cty. Or.)