SoFla Puffer's Damage Award Goes Up in Smoke

Fort Lauderdale woman's verdict reduced from $300 million to $39 million

And just like that, $260 million went up in smoke.

A Fort Lauderdale woman who had won a $300 million verdict against tobacco giant Philip Morris had that award reduced to $38.9 million by a Florida judge yesterday.

Broward Circuit Judge Jeffrey Streitfeld found Cindy Naugle's damage award excessive and unsupported by the facts

Naugle, 61, from Fort Lauderdale, was a smoker for 25 years. She has acute emphysema, is bound to a wheelchair and carries around an oxygen tank 24-7.

Naugle's case is one of thousands filed in Florida against tobacco companies.

Philip Morris lawyers said they'll still appeal the lower award.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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