Pillars v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

Brief Fact Summary.

Pillars filed a products liability suit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. when Pillars was poisoned after ingesting chewing tobacco that contained a human toe.

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

The manufacturer of a product can be held liable to the consumer for the negligent production of a product.

Facts.

Pillars was poisoned after ingesting chewing tobacco that contained a human toe. The tobacco was manufactured by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (R.J.). Pillars filed a products liability suit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and the trial court issued a directed verdict to R.J.

Issue.

Whether the manufacturer of a product can be held liable to the consumer for the negligent production of a product?

Held.

Yes. R.J. can be held liable for the negligent manufacture of the chewing tobacco because although tobacco is not a food, chewing tobacco is ingested through the mouth.

Discussion.

The manufacturer of a product can be held liable to the consumer for the negligent production of a product.