Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Philip Morris agreed to pay more than $15 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused the cigarette maker of falsely representing Marlboro Lights as “safer” than Regular Marlboros.
The settlement amount reflects the court awarded $4.9 million, as well as prejudgment interest of $10.3 million.
According to the class action lawsuit, Philip Morris willfully violated Massachusetts consumer protection laws by using words such as “lights” and “lowered tar and nicotine” on packages of Marlboro Lights cigarettes.
The lawsuit alleged that Phillip Morris knew that Marlboro Lights didn’t have significantly lower tar and were therefore no less harmful to smokers than Regular Marlboros yet intentionally used deceptive wording that indicated otherwise.
Class Members include all Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont residents who purchased Marlboro Lights regularly within the State of Massachusetts between Nov. 25, 1994 and Nov. 25, 1998.
If the settlement is granted final approval, Class Members who file a Claim Form will be unable to bring any further accusations against Philip Morris (and its affiliated companies) regarding Marlboro Light purchases made within Massachusetts.
Those who wish to object or opt out of the Marlboro class action settlement must do so by Aug. 19, 2016.
Who’s Eligible
Marlboro Lights class action settlement Class Members include all Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont residents who purchased Marlboro Lights regularly within the State of Massachusetts between Nov. 25, 1994 and Nov. 25, 1998.
Potential Award
$75 – $225
Philip Morris has agreed to pay more than $15 million to settle the Marlboro Lights class action lawsuit.
Those who submit valid and timely claims will receive a equal share of the settlement up to a maximum of $225. If every Class Member files a Claim Form, the Settlement Administrator estimates that individuals will get about $75.
Proof of Purchase
N/A
Class Members don’t have to include a proof of purchase but they must submit a Claim Form no later than Nov. 28, 2016 to receive benefit from this class action lawsuit.
Claim Form
Class Members who would prefer mailing in their Claim Form can download a printable version here!
Claim Form Deadline
11/28/2016
Case Name
Thomas Geanacopoulos v. Philip Morris USA Inc., Civil Action No. 98-6002-BLS1, in the Massachusetts Superior Court
Final Hearing
09/29/2016
UPDATE: On Sept. 30, 2016, the court granted the Massachusetts Marlboro Lights settlement final approval.
UPDATE 2: According to the settlement website, settlement checks were mailed on March 13, 2017. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
UPDATE 3: On March 15, 2017, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving Marlboro Lights class action settlement checks worth as much as $225!
Settlement Website
www.MALightsSettlement.com
Claims Administrator
Massachusetts Marlboro Lights Settlement
c/o Analytics
P.O. Box 2003
Chanhassen, MN 55317-2003
(844) 836-3605
claims@MALightsSettlement.com
Class Counsel
Thomas V. Urmy, Jr.
SHAPIRO HABER & URMY LLP
Defense Counsel
Kenneth J. Parsigian
LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
152 thoughts onMarlboro Lights Class Action Settlement
Tell your state AG to sue Marlboro like MA did. That is why it only applies to them. You will note that the lawsuit was filed in MA superior court over advertising in MA. The same ads probably ran in other states, but that would be for each states AG to pursue.
Thomas Geanacopoulos v. Philip Morris USA Inc., Civil Action No. 98-6002-BLS1, in the Massachusetts Superior Court
Why is it that this Class Action Lawsuit is only for certain states? I live in Tennessee & most all of my family & friends smoke Marlboro Lights & have for over 20 years. Theres nothing right about not including us in this suit. Why is it we don’t count? This is b/s! GET REAL! My son in law is an over the road truck driver & I traveled with him & my daughter in all those state & bought cigarettes while there. I should be able to file a claim but I don’t have a past address for those states, BUT BY ALL RIGHTS I SHOULD BE ABLE TO FILE A CLAIM IN TENNESSEE!
They didn’t run national ad campaigns, they ran regional campaigns here boldly claiming these were healthier.
No it is NOT their right. The class action is about specific false advertising that took place in one state. If you knowingly file under false pretenses, that is a great way to get sued quick or get sent to prison under perjury..
You can file, Just go to the bottom and file the claim.
My husband was long hall truck driver bought Marlboro lights in all of theses states will file a claim.
Remember… in some states it’s illegal to buy more than a few packs & take them across a state line!!
I know in MA you can’t go to NH & “legally” bring in cartons of cigs… if caught they do get confiscated believe it or not!!
This is NOT right. There are probably people in EVERY state that smoke Marlboro Light cigarettes. Why should these few states be the ONLY beneficiaries of this class-action settlement? Quite frankly, this SUCKS!
Because they only broke Massachusetts law? So Massachusetts is the only state the claim is in
I am from Montana. Been smoking for 40 years, Marlboro Lights. Let us not discriminate which states should receive a settlement and those who shouldnt
I am from New Jersey and smoked Marlboro Lights for more years than I care to remember. How can I be included?
I am also in NJ.
I am in my 50s and been smoking Marlboro Lights for over 30 years
Maybe we need a lawyer to open a claim for our State
Why just certain states ? We’re in Florida and have smoked that brand for years.
I agree with Marce! I also am from MI and bought/smoked this brand for years both in MI and while attending school in OH!
What happened to the western and mid-western states? Im in AZ and I smoke Marlboro Lights
Why is this limited to those few states? Im in michigan and had smoked this brand, bought in michigan and ohio for YEARS..
Are you sure you didnt live in any of those states during the time in question? Maybe you did..
Yes it means if you have ever lived in any of those states between that time in which in 1996 I lived in Merrimack Nh so I filled on out – at the end it asks what city & state did you live doesn’t ask for a date
What you should do is get ahold of the guy in Mass find out what steps you took to file a case and possibly claim one in your area
Do you buy your cigarettes in Massachusetts? That is where the claim is. Only if they were bought in Massachusetts…
Perhaps, there was a settlement for other states, prior?
I would ask the settlement administrator.
Exactly. It should be nationwide