MEDINA, Ohio -- A state judge's ruling allows smokers in six northeast Ohio counties to sue tobacco giant Philip Morris USA on a claim they were duped into believing low-tar cigarettes were safer. Medina County Common Pleas Judge James Kimbler granted class-action status on Wednesday to a pair of lawsuits filed by Akron lawyer A. Russell Smith, who named Philip Morris brands Virginia Slims lights and Marlboro Lights. Lawyers for the tobacco company had urged the judge to throw out the lawsuits. On Thursday, Philip Morris said it plans to ask Kimbler to reverse his order.
Posted by Editor at September 25, 2003 10:34 AM