UPDATE: Texas Jury Awards $242 Million in Toyota Crash

A jury in Dallas has awarded a combined $242 million to victims of a crash involving a Toyota-made 2002 model Lexus ES 300 sedan that was struck from behind at a stop light.

The car was hit by a Honda Pilot crossover vehicle traveling at about 45 mph, according to court testimony. During the impact, the backs of the Lexus front seats collapsed and swung back. The seatbacks and/or their occupants struck two small children restrained in the second row, inflicting permanent brain damage to both children.

Neither the adults in the front seat nor the occupants of Pilot that struck them were seriously injured. Plaintiffs claimed that the seats in the Lexus were “defective and unreasonably dangerous.” They also argued that Toyota could have used an unspecified but feasible alternative seat design.

The jury concurred. Its award includes $144 million in punitive damages against Toyota and its North American sales unit. The jury also awarded $92 million for past and future medical coverage for the two children and $6 million to their parents for pain and anguish.

Of the $92 million in damages, the jury assigned 90% of the blame to Toyota Motor Corp. The panel deemed the driver of the Pilot and Toyota Motor Sales each 5% at fault. Toyota has indicated it may appeal.