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Clarksdale, Mississippi 662-624-4477 National practice and proven track record in major litigation |
The States vs. Tobacco
Michael Lewis conceived the legal basis for a state recovering medicaid costs from tobacco companies while helping his long time secretary with her mother, who though dying of smoking induced heart disease and lung failure, and awaiting a heart transplant, was simply unable to quit smoking. People who do not have a hard time quitting, or who have never tried, may not understand the powerful addictive power of tobacco, considered by medical authorities to exceed that of many illegal drugs.
With his wife Pauline, he approached the attorney general of Mississippi, Mike Moore, suggesting how Mississippi might be able to recover all expenses incurred by the State of Mississippi for Medicaid recipients with smoking related disease. He wanted to send a clear message to tobacco companies that denial of the problems caused by their product and marketing to children would no longer be tolerated. Moore accepted the plan, but could not use state funds to finance the lawsuit, and in fact the governor was so opposed he attempted to block it. So Moore and Lewis formed a consortium of legal firms who would do all the work and finance the suit at their own risk.
In contemplating this initial case, these firms had to consider not only the daunting task of taking on a well-heeled and never-defeated industry, but also one that was already using illegal tactics in its marketing, and might attempt to slander or discredit its opponents. There was considerable risk. In fact only a slim chance of success.
Mike and Pauline Lewis have been interviewed on numerous documentaries concerning this case. More information will be provided here in the future. If you have questions, please contact us.
