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