Deadline for Florida Smoking Damage Lawsuits Draws Near

Courtney Mills

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The number of weeks remaining before plaintiffs can file suit for damages as a result of smoking-related illnesses has dwindled down to six. In Miami Dade and Broward counties, there have been only 120 smoking lawsuits filed for smoking-related illnesses to date, according to the Miami Herald.

Part of the reason for so few cases is that plaintiffs' attorneys are seeking out more ideal plaintiffs. Firms are extremely selective in the cases they choose, because they want to genuinely be of service. The ability to verify smoker's claims for damages can be unusually difficult. A large number of potential plaintiffs have also died as a result of smoking, which may tend to act as a disincentive for some families to pursue wrongful death suits in a court of law.

The Florida Supreme Court overturned a class action 2000 civil damage award of $145 billion last year, requiring that each smoker show that cigarettes caused the damages. When the Florida Supreme Court overturned the award last year, it decertified the class, and gave the members a deadline of January 11, 2008, to file individual lawsuits for damages.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.