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Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Files Suit Against Philip Morris USA, Inc. on Behalf of a New York Smoker Who Suffered Economic Damages as a Result of the Deceptive Marketing of Marlboro Lights Cigarettes

Posted on: Thursday, 18 December 2008, 10:56 CST

Class Action Status Requested To Benefit All Persons in the State of New York who Purchased Marlboro Lights Cigarettes

GREAT NECK, N.Y., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Waichman Alonso LLP announces that it has filed suit on behalf of a man who suffered economic damages as a result of misrepresentations made about Marlboro Lights cigarettes marketed by Philip Morris USA. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. (Docket Number: 08-CV-5085).

The lead plaintiff, a resident of Flushing, New York, has purchased and smoked Marlboro Lights cigarettes for many years. The lawsuit alleges that, because of misrepresentations made by Philip Morris USA, the plaintiff and members of the class purchased Marlboro Lights cigarettes in order to benefit from a low tar, low nicotine alternative to regular cigarettes, but did not receive those benefits.

The lawsuit alleges that as early as 1971, Philip Morris USA deceptively marketed Marlboro Lights cigarettes as a less dangerous alternative to regular cigarettes. The lawsuit charges that Philip Morris USA falsely claimed that Marlboro Lights had "Lowered Tar and Nicotine," even though the company knew those cigarettes would not deliver less tar or nicotine to the consumer.

The lawsuit is seeking disgorgement of all monies Philip Morris USA unjustly received through its unlawful conduct, as well as an injunction barring Philip Morris from unlawfully marketing Marlboro Lights.

"Light" cigarettes are designed in such a way that air is mixed with and dilutes the smoke drawn through the filter. This produces a lower measurement of tar and nicotine for "lights" as compared to regular cigarettes when undergoing standardized testing by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") testing apparatus -- automated smoking machines used by the tobacco industry to measure tar and nicotine levels in cigarettes.

Research has shown, however, that smokers who switch to "light" cigarettes from regular cigarettes compensate for the lower nicotine level by inhaling more deeply; taking larger, more rapid, or more frequent puffs; or by increasing the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

About Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading products liability and personal injury law firm that represents plaintiffs nationwide. The firm has offices in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has assisted thousands of clients in receiving fair compensation for injuries resulting from defective products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

SOURCE Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Source: PR Newswire

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