A Connecticut jury’s damages award of more than $28 million in a suit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has been upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit—and the sum stands to grow, as the court also remanded for reconsideration of punitive damages.

Barbara Izzarelli, formerly of Norwich, sued the company for smoking-related illnesses, which led to the removal of her larynx.