Lawsuits Against Big Tobacco

The fall of the anti-smoking bill may have eliminated one monster from the tobacco industry's battle, but it also created a new one. When the Senate dismissed the legislation this week, it opened the door to a tide of lawsuits by consumer advocates.

The tobacco industry shelled out a total of $36.5 billion in its settlements with Minnesota, Texas, Florida and Mississippi. With new lawsuits pending across the nation, Big Tobacco stands to lose more against smokers blaming the giant for their illnesses.

Lawsuits in California, Iowa, Michigan and Utah are expected to come up for trial sometime next year, but no dates have been set.

The following is a list of states with trial dates for lawsuits against the tobacco industry:

• Arizona, March 4, 1999
  
• Hawaii, Sept. 7, 1999
  
• Maryland, April 5, 1999
  
• Massachusetts, Feb. 1, 1999
  
• Missouri, Jan. 24, 2000
  
• New Jersey, May 1999 (specific date not yet set).
  
• New York, May 17, 1999
  
• Ohio, May 4, 2000
  
• Oklahoma, Jan. 25, 1999
  
• Oregon, April 5, 1999
  
• Vermont, Nov. 13, 1999
  
• Washington, Sept. 14, 1998
  
• Wisconsin, Sept. 13, 1999