News reports indicate that the manufacturer of Skoal and Copenhagen chewing tobacco has agreed to pay $5 million to the family of a man who died of cancer from chewing tobacco. This is thought to be the first wrongful deathsettlement in a chewing tobacco case.

Wrongful death actions can occur out of any personal injury matter as the result of the careless, negligent or intentional acts of another person or corporation. When a “wrongful death” occurs, the family and children of the victim may be able to recover compensation for their loss, including medical costs and future earnings.

Here, the family filed suit under a product liability theory, claiming that the company manufactured and sold a dangerous and defective product knowing that it causes addiction, disease and death in consumers who use it as intended.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one as the result of the careless or reckless actions of another, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information,contact The Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, dedicated to helping the injured for more than 15 years.