The settlement was agreed between U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. and the family of Bobby Hill, who died aged 42 in 2005 as a result of cancer of the tongue.
The lawsuit was filed by Hill’s wife, accusing US Smokeless Tobacco of selling a defective product, which is addictive and sometimes lethal, without properly warning consumers about the potential risks associated with chewing tobacco side effects. The family alleged that chewing tobacco was being marketed as a harmless alternative to cigarettes.
US Smokeless Tobacco, which was acquired last year by Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, is the maker of Skoal and Copenhagen chewing tobacco brands, which are two of the most popular on the market.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the settlement may be an effort to clear out outstanding litigation from the acquisition. (pi)