Virginia Jury Returns $212M Verdict Against Botox Maker

By Larry O'Dell | May 2, 2011

A jury in Virginia has awarded $212 million to a Fredericksburg man who claims the drug Botox left him brain-damaged and disabled.

The verdict against drug maker Allergan Inc. came Thursday after a nearly two-week trial in federal court in Richmond.

The jury awarded 67-year-old Douglas Ray Jr. $12 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages. Ray’s attorney, Ray Chester, said he was thrilled with the verdict.

Allergan spokeswoman Caroline Van Hove called the decision disappointing but noted that under Virginia law, the punitive damages will be capped at $350,000. Chester said he will challenge the cap. Van Hove said the company is reviewing bases for an appeal.

Ray claimed he was injured after getting injections of the wrinkle-reducing drug to alleviate writer’s cramp in his hand.

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Associated Press

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