According to a new report issued on December 8th, the statistics on tobacco use prevention programs in Louisiana are particularly dire. Specifically, for every $43 spent by the big tobacco industry to promote the use of tobacco, only $1 is spent trying to prevent kids from smokers and help smokers quit smoking. These dire statistics have public health advocates gravely concerned.
While Louisiana is putting funds into anti-smoking prevention programs, it is putting in less than 12 percent of the minimum amount of funding recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating the state ranks lower than most in its efforts to combat tobacco use.
In an era when many feel that we are making progress against the hazardous effects of smoking tobacco—particularly as more and more bans on smoking within a certain distance of buildings are passed—as well as taxes on cigarettes being increased—at the same time, the tobacco companies are continuing to aggressively market their products, particularly to kids, and the tax on cigarettes in Louisiana is still well below the average in other states (86 cents versus $1.61 per pack), alarming those concerned about public health.
Lawsuits against Big Tobacco Companies
The reality for those who suffer from lung cancer is agonizing. Victims find it difficult to breathe as they are hooked up to oxygen, often in constant pain and coughing up blood, and end up suffering and dying slowly in many cases. Some have died after approximately 20 years of smoking, still while in their 30s. For many, they started smoking as teens—children—when it is difficult to be aware of the risks. Thousands today are dying of lung cancer, specifically from smoking. Still, the tobacco industry markets to and targets children.
Previous lawsuits against the tobacco industry have been filed (and won) by those who have had loved ones injured or killed due to lung cancer and made claims that certain cigarette companies were aware that their products caused lung cancer and were addictive, but who failed to inform product purchasers (smokers) about this fact. Although big tobacco companies successfully defended against very early lawsuits based on harm from tobacco, since 2006, more and more individuals have been able to persuade juries in their own personal lawsuits on behalf of themselves and their families proving that they were harmed by an addiction to cigarettes.
The latest lawsuits have also focused on “light” cigarettes, which are often advertised as “healthier” than regular cigarettes when, in fact, the description simply refers to the taste of the cigarette, not the amount of nicotine it contains.
Personal Injury & Environmental Hazard Attorneys in New Orleans
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a falsely advertised product, speaking with an attorney is the first step to pursuing justice for you and your family. At Harrell & Nowak, we have helped many victims throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries. We will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive recovery for any harm done to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.