Avera & Smith Client Awarded $5M Verdict in Tobacco Suit
GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gainesville Attorney's, Avera & Smith, LLP, announce today the award of a $5M verdict in a wrongful death class action suit against Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds.
The plaintiff, Gloria Bowden, retained the law firm of Avera & Smith on behalf of her deceased husband, William Bowden, Jr. Mrs. Bowden claimed that her late husband's death was caused by lung cancer due to an addiction to cigarettes containing nicotine. The case arose out of a class action lawsuit originally filed in 1994, known as the Engle class action.
"This was a very difficult case to try. It was nearly impossible to reconstruct the sequence of events due to the number of years since Bowden's death," said Attorney Rod Smith, partner with the firm. "We believe the jury handed down a fair verdict and we are very pleased."
"This is about more than just this one case. This is about the tobacco industry paying back a generation of people for what they did and what they hid," continued Smith.
Avera & Smith specializes in personal injury law, amongst other disciplines, and has been a leader in the Gainesville market for more than 40 years. The firm plans to endure this achievement by striving to continue its success and accomplishments. For information on Avera & Smith, visit www.avera.com, call 352.372.9999 or toll free 800.654.4659.
ABOUT AVERA & SMITH
Avera & Smith has been representing Floridians for more than 60 years. Their legacy is one of personal service and genuine care for clients and the local community. Most importantly, the law firm has the experience and qualifications that have created a family tradition of success. This has not only earned them a great reputation, but also helped them get fair settlements and verdicts for their clients. Mark Avera, Managing Partner in Avera & Smith, is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. Lance Avera, Partner, is Board Certified in Workers Compensation Law. Rod Smith, Partner, has more than 35 years of trial experience. Members of the firm have been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers many years in a row, named in the Best Lawyers in America publication, honored with the highest rating possible (AV Preeminent*) for their legal ability and ethical standards and have received numerous other awards and recognitions. For more, visit www.avera.com.
SOURCE Avera & Smith Attorneys at Law
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