U.S. Fires Another Salvo At Tobacco Co's
Friday, October 15th, 1999 LiabilityThe U.S. Justice Department has filed suit against the tobacco industry, seeking recovery of billions of dollars spent on smoking-related health care. The suit alleges that cigarette makers have engaged in an "intentional, coordinated campaign of fraud and deceit" for 43 years, and that the industry's concealment of the dangers of smoking has cost taxpayers more than $20 billion a year to treat tobacco-related illnesses. The suit, which is being filed under the RICO statute, seeks recovery of health care costs, spent through Medicare, veterans' health and other federal programs since the early 1990s, as well as industry profits attributable to the allegedly deceptive and corrupt practices. The final damage figure could be as high as $246 billion, according to federal officials.
