Site in English | Sitio Web en Español | Sit wèb an kreyòl
Overview
The Engle Class Action was filed in 1994 and went to trial against the tobacco industry in July 1998. A distinct, unprecedented monetary fund of over $600 million (the "Engle Trust Fund") has been created for the class by Susan and Stanley Rosenblatt, counsel for the class. Florida smokers, former smokers and survivors of smokers may be eligible for a share in the Engle Trust Fund.
You may be qualified to receive money from the Engle Trust Fund if you (or your decedent) have suffered, presently suffer, or have died from the diseases and medical conditions (listed below) caused by addiction to cigarettes that contained nicotine. The disease or medical condition must have been first diagnosed or first manifested itself on or before November 21, 1996. You will be required to submit contemporaneous, verifiable proof to support your claim. You will also be required to submit your claim under penalty of perjury.
The deadline to register for the Engle Trust Fund passed on June 16, 2008.
Diseases and Medical Conditions
- aortic aneurysm
- bladder cancer
- cerebrovascular disease (including stroke)
- cervical cancer
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD (including emphysema)
- coronary heart disease (including cardiovascular disease, hardening of the arteries, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and arteriolosclerosis, angina, abnormal blood clotting, blood vessel damage, myocardial infarction (heart attack))
- esophageal (throat) cancer
- kidney cancer
- laryngeal (throat or voice box) cancer
- lung cancer (including adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma)
- complications of pregnancy (miscarriage)
- oral cavity/tongue cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- peripheral vascular disease (including Buerger’s disease)
- pharyngeal cancer
- stomach cancer
Registration Procedure
At the hearing on April 15, 2008, the Court set a schedule for the allocation and distribution of the Engle Trust Fund. Qualified Engle class members MUST register by mail or online no later than June 16, 2008, to be eligible to receive a share of the Engle Trust Fund. Registration does not assure qualification to share in the Engle Trust Fund.
The deadline to register for the Engle Trust Fund passed on June 16, 2008.
The Claims Administrator will mail letters acknowledging receipt of each Registration Form. The letters will request and identify all additional information and paperwork necessary to determine whether you qualify for a share of the Engle Trust Fund. The letter will also provide specific information regarding deadlines. Class member paperwork must be submitted to the Claims Administrator by August 1, 2008.
The Court's Order For Submission of Class Membership Paperwork dated May 2, 2008 is available for viewing.
Distribution by the Claims Administrator shall be equally made on a per smoker basis.
Do not call or write the Court, the Trustee or the Clerk of the Court for further information.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
You may hire counsel, at your own expense, to represent your interests in connection with the allocation and distribution of the Engle Trust Fund or the Court-appointed Trustee will determine how your interests will be represented. If you have an attorney who represents you (or your decedent) with regard to a tobacco claim, please consult your attorney.
Important Dates
| Date | Case-Related Event |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2008 [Passed] |
Registration Deadline |
| August 1, 2008 | Documentation Submission Deadline (you will receive notice of documentation required after you register) |