California Supreme Court permits tobacco suits for subsequent medical conditions

[JURIST] The Supreme Court of California [official website] on Thursday ruled [opinion, PDF] unanimously to allow claims against tobacco companies for smoking-related ailments that arise after the statute of limitations for an earlier condition has elapsed. Though state law requires that parties file suit within two years of discovering an injury, the decision will allow smokers to proceed with claims based on medical conditions originating after a previous diagnosis so long as the injuries are "separate and distinct." Focusing…