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Lawyers
Brief Dealers on Oct. 8 1997
"Instead
of the arrogance of the past, big tobacco now
feels the heat of civil and even criminal prosecutions."
Oct 8, 1997
NCDA
In a meeting
held on October 28 in Las Vegas, the lead attorney in the dealer's
battle against the tobacco companies, Mr. Steve Murray of New
Orleans, Louisiana took the podium to describe his plans to the
Las Vegas dealers. Other team attorneys present included Peter L.
Flangas, the Las Vegas representative, John T. Ross, covering the
Reno area and Perry M. Nicosia of New Orleans. The meeting was
held at the Police Protective Building on South Burnham, and
hosted by Tony Badillo, President of the NCDA.
Murray described how big tobacco, over the last 50 years,
has overwhelmed and crushed any individual or group who dared to
threaten their house of profits built on a foundation of lies and
deceit. He told of individual law firms who have been bankrupted
while trying to represent their clients damaged by the tobacco
industry. But now, he noted the tide has turned and it's a
different ballgame. Instead of the arrogance of the past, big
tobacco now feels the heat of civil and even criminal
prosecutions.
Since we have filed a class action lawsuit, it will be up
to the courts to approve and define the class. He explained that
it would be unfeasible for 20 or 30 thousand dealers to file
separate lawsuits to seek compensation. That is why it must be
handled as class action. It is important to note that those
dealers who have suffered extraordinary damage, such as those who
had cancer or serious respiratory problems, should probably opt
out of the class and proceed with an individual law-suit. In those
cases the damages suffered by these individuals would far exceed
whatever settlement they could hope to achieve as a class member.
Mr. Murray asked that all dealers pick up a questionnaire
package and complete the forms. These will provide the attorneys
with the medical and employment data needed to properly build a
case and prosecute it successfully. Las Vegas dealers may pick up
a questionnaire package at the NCDA office at 1120 E. Fremont,
between 10AM and noon, Monday through Friday. Dealers in the
Reno-Carson City-Tahoe area may contact the office of Attorney
John T. Ross at 882-1676 to obtain the questionnaire.
All other
Nevada locations outside Las Vegas can get their package by mail
by calling or writing the NCDA office and requesting a ''tobacco
package". An NCDA membership form will be included with the
package and we urge all dealers to join and support your
association. We do wish to make it clear, however,
that membership in the NCDA is not a prerequisite to joining the
lawsuit.
--By Jack M. Lipsman
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