Tobacco litigation refers to the lawsuits brought against various tobacco manufacturers, attempting to hol them responsible for wrongful death, injury, or medical expenses related to cigarette smoking and other tobacco use. Cases have been brought both by individual plaintiffs, and by government officials, including U.S. State attorneys general. Punitive damages for the plaintiff have often been awarded as a result of a successful litigation. However, the vast majority of court decisions have been in favor of the defendant tobacco companies.