Tobacco Companies Rejected by High Court on Florida Suits
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The U.S. Supreme Court rejected efforts by the tobacco industry to derail thousands of Florida smoker lawsuits, leaving intact 11 awards totaling more than $70 million.
Units of Altria Group Inc., Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Inc. -- the nation’s three largest cigarette sellers - - all asked the Supreme Court to intervene, saying they weren’t being afforded an adequate chance to mount a defense. The justices today, without comment, turned away 10 appeals affecting 11 cases.