Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit against the Tobacco Industry

It was a date that will prove to be historic in nature both for tobacco companies and for individual Florida smokers. On July 6, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court overturned a $145 billion punitive damages award that was supposed to be bestowed upon the class action group that filed a lawsuit against the tobacco industry. This decision can be looked as a victory on both sides of the court room, but in the long run, individual smokers will look upon this date with gratitude.

If you are a Florida smoker and you're suffering from health issues due to your use of tobacco, you may have the opportunity to file a lawsuit against the tobacco industry that will follow the "Engle" precedent.

It's important to understand this "Engle Class Action" case as well as the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. This decision included the recognition of the severe illnesses that smoking causes. An individual that is suffering from illnesses caused by smoking can benefit from the fact that the Court has determined that cigarettes are addictive and that the tobacco industry is indeed responsible for more than a dozen different diseases as a matter of law.

The decision you make as to whether or not to pursue a lawsuit needs to be made quickly. Every type of civil case comes with an established statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit, and any claim against the tobacco companies is no different. If you smoke, and you live in Florida, or have a loved one that does, you need to understand your legal options. The Courts are expecting to hear from individuals who have experienced or continue to experience poor health conditions as a result of smoking. There are attorneys that have the expertise in this area and are very clear on what statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit applies for this type of case.

If you or a loved one is suffering from poor health and you believe it may be a result of smoking, contact an attorney today. An attorney will need to help you obtain a complete evaluation of your health and medical history as well as gather other information needed to determine whether you would qualify for this type of claim. Understand that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit will not change, and it does not stop in most situations. You need to learn more about your legal options now and an experienced trial attorney will be able to explain them to you fully.