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Eyebrow-Raising Verdict of the Day: $15 Million to Doctor Poisoned by Botox

By Eric Lipman

It has the word "toxin" in its official scientific name. The phrase "deadly toxic effect" appears in the first paragraph of its Wikipedia entry. Nevertheless, Dr. Sharla Helton of Oklahoma City decided to inject herself with Botox to get rid of some unsightly wrinkles. And instead of beautiful younger looking skin (or perhaps in addition to; this article from The Oklahoman doesn't make it clear), Dr. Helton apparently got botulism. Oh, right, a slight variation of that word appears in its name as well. What an unforeseen turn of events. Yesterday, an Oklahoma City jury awarded Helton $15 million in damages on her claim that the 2006 warning label for Botox didn't adequately disclose the risks of using the drug. The maker of the drug, Allergan, has, of course, deemed the verdict absolute bunk, and pledged to appeal. Whatever happens on appeal, I suggest playing it safe, ladies. Allow me to share my favorite "ancient Oriental beauty secret":

Full post as published by Legal Blog Watch on May 12, 2010 (boomark / email).