Tobacco companies continue to face lawsuits despite having reached major settlements in the past. While landmark agreements in countries like Canada and the United States have resolved many claims, new legal actions persist, targeting both traditional tobacco products and newer items like e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
Historically, tobacco litigation peaked with massive class-action lawsuits and government claims seeking to recover healthcare costs related to smoking. For example, in Canada, a landmark ruling ordered tobacco companies to pay billions to plaintiffs, including provincial governments, to cover smoking-related health expenses. This resulted in a pan-Canadian settlement worth tens of billions, with payments distributed to affected smokers and funds allocated to anti-tobacco initiatives. Legal fees for the lawyers involved in these cases were also extraordinarily high, reflecting the complexity and duration of the litigation. However, even after these settlements, some lawsuits remain unresolved or have emerged anew, reflecting ongoing disputes over tobacco companies’ responsibilities and marketing practices.
In the United States, tobacco litigation has evolved but not ended. While the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement resolved many claims against major cigarette manufacturers, new lawsuits continue to arise. These include cases related to the marketing and health impacts of newer tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices. For instance, companies like British American Tobacco have faced class-action lawsuits accusing them of misleading environmental claims about their vaping products. Additionally, regulatory challenges and lawsuits involving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue, especially concerning the approval and marketing of flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Tobacco companies have also gained the ability to file lawsuits in federal courts of their choosing, a tactic known as “forum shopping,” which can influence the outcomes of regulatory challenges.
Individual lawsuits persist as well, with plaintiffs seeking damages for smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some recent jury verdicts have awarded substantial sums against tobacco companies, while others have dismissed claims due to legal technicalities like statutes of limitations. The litigation landscape remains active, with ongoing trials and appeals.
Moreover, enforcement actions against illegal or unauthorized tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, have increased. Regulatory agencies like the FDA have seized millions of dollars worth of illegal vaping products, aiming to curb unregulated sales and protect public health. These enforcement efforts also indirectly support legitimate manufacturers by removing non-compliant competitors from the market.
Youth advocacy and public health campaigns continue to highlight the dangers of tobacco and vaping products, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance despite past settlements. Young activists and community groups work to
