The legal suits against the large tobacco companies are almost all nationwide class action suits that allow clients to work together to achieve one large settlement that is then divided between all parties. While this may result in a smaller total settlement per party, the cost of taking the large companies to court would be cost-prohibitive for many individuals.

Since lung cancer is often fatal, spouses, children, family members and even the estate of a deceased smoker may enter a class action or private lawsuit depending on the facts of the death. Consulting an lung cancer attorney can help in determining if this is an option.

In many of the class action suits the settlements have been for punitive damages only, not for actual medical costs, legal fees or pain and suffering. Punitive damages are meant to punish the tobacco companies rather than to attempt to fully compensate the smokers.