Calif. Smoker Gets Higher Compensatory Damages in Second Trial

For a second time, a jury has found R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris liable for damages in a suit related to Leslie Whiteley's smoking habit. On Wednesday, a jury recommended Whiteley's husband get about $2.5 million in compensatory damages, more than the $1.7 million awarded in 2000, before a higher court ordered a retrial. Back then, the jury awarded $21.7 million -- including $20 million in punitive damages, $10 million from each company. In the retrial, it appears only R.J. Reynolds will face punitives.

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