{"id":368860,"date":"2021-12-13T10:08:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T15:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-still-sue-big-tobacco-or-a-nicotine-product-company.html"},"modified":"2026-05-20T16:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T21:14:25","slug":"can-i-still-sue-big-tobacco-or-a-nicotine-product-company","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-still-sue-big-tobacco-or-a-nicotine-product-company.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sue “Big Tobacco” or a Nicotine Product Company?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Can I Sue 'Big Tobacco' or a Nicotine Product Company?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can still sue tobacco companies in some cases. You can bring an action as an individual or, in some cases, as a representative of a class in a class action.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Many lawsuits through history have shaped the nicotine and tobacco industry. Tobacco litigation has become so big that it is now what lawyers call a “mass tort.” And with new products available for you to buy and use, new legal issues can still arise.<\/p>\n

An attorney can analyze your situation. Based on the dispute or tobacco-related illness, they can help you understand whether a lawsuit is right for you<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0what to expect<\/a>. Find a local lawyer<\/a> who can help you check your options.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It’s Still Possible To Sue Tobacco Companies and Win<\/h2>\n

Tobacco litigation can be complex and time-consuming because these companies are prepared to fight. But plaintiffs find a way to sue big tobacco companies.<\/p>\n

For instance, in 2009, a Florida jury ordered cigarette company\u00a0Philip Morris USA<\/a>\u00a0to pay $300 million in damages to an ex-smoker. That case was a part of the\u00a0Engle\u00a0<\/i>progeny litigation<\/a>, a group of almost 8,000 individual complaints filed after the Florida Supreme decertified their class action lawsuit in 2006.<\/p>\n

Lawsuits and Complaints Can Improve Safety<\/h2>\n

In November 1998, most states and the four major U.S. tobacco companies entered a Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). The MSA changed how manufacturers could target consumers and advertise products.<\/p>\n

The tobacco industry has since taken more precautions, such as:<\/p>\n