Rhonda and Mark have been representing the victims of tobacco companies for over ten years. Rhonda is one of the few lawyers in the country to have won a verdict against the tobacco companies and collected - indeed, her internationally reported verdict on behalf of a second hand smoke victim, Lynn French, is the only case to date in the U.S. where a second hand smoke victim successfully sued, won a verdict, and collected against the big tobacco companies. Click here on our "In The News" tab.

You may have heard or read about a six hundred million dollar Tobacco Trust Fund that has been established for the benefit of smokers who have suffered from a wide range of tobacco related illnesses. While claimants can attempt to engage in the process without representation, we are representing smokers, former smokers and their families in claims for compensation through this Fund. There will be no need to file a lawsuit, submit to a deposition or attend any trial. It is anticipated that the money will be disbursed within the next several months. Although the amount has not yet been finally determined, it is anticipated that each qualified claimant may be entitled to tens of thousands of dollars. However, the deadline to file is June 16, 2008.

To qualify, a claimant must be able to submit proof that he or she (1) is a Florida resident, (2) was or is a smoker, and (3) suffered from one of the following diseases or illnesses prior to November 21, 1996:

• Heart Disease/Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Blood Clots
• Pregnancy Complications/Miscarriage
• COPD/Emphysema
• Lung Cancer
• Throat Cancer *Oral Cavity/Tongue Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Stomach Cancer.

If you or a family member or friend has suffered one of the above tobacco related illnesses during the applicable time period, please feel free to contact us by telephone or e-mail. We can collect the medical records directly from the health care providers, and collect the other necessary proof in order to proceed with a claim on behalf of the victim. The actual records and underlying proof may be submitted later this summer, however the deadline to register is June 16, 2008, so time is of the essence.