E L Sweda1. 1. Tobacco Control Resource Center, Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: For a quarter of a century, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have been harmed by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). METHODS: A review of hundreds of legal cases where exposure to ETS was the basis for the lawsuit was undertaken. The history of ETS-based lawsuits was categorised and analysed. RESULTS: While ETS-based lawsuits have arisen in a variety of divergent settings, there have been an increasing number of instances in which individuals have achieved relief from exposure to ETS and/or monetary compensation for having been so exposed. Such successful outcomes make it easier for others to achieve similar results through litigation. CONCLUSION: Lawsuits will probably continue to be a viable remedy in assisting those being harmed by exposure to ETS, both-inside and outside the USA.
BACKGROUND: For a quarter of a century, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have been harmed by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). METHODS: A review of hundreds of legal cases where exposure to ETS was the basis for the lawsuit was undertaken. The history of ETS-based lawsuits was categorised and analysed. RESULTS: While ETS-based lawsuits have arisen in a variety of divergent settings, there have been an increasing number of instances in which individuals have achieved relief from exposure to ETS and/or monetary compensation for having been so exposed. Such successful outcomes make it easier for others to achieve similar results through litigation. CONCLUSION: Lawsuits will probably continue to be a viable remedy in assisting those being harmed by exposure to ETS, both-inside and outside the USA.