Judge finalizes $200 million-plus award for Lexus defects

A final judgment upholds a jury award of more than $200 million to a Dallas-area family against Toyota over what they alleged were defective front seats in their Lexus sedan.

State District Judge Dale Tillery entered the final judgment Friday in Dallas in the lawsuit brought by Benjamin and Kristi Reavis. The Dallas County jury returned its verdict Aug. 17.

The couple alleged that in a September 2016 rear-end collision defects caused their front seat backs on their two young children seated in child safety seats behind them. Their attorney said the 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son suffered severe head trauma and other injuries.

In a statement, Toyota said it would ask the judge or, if necessary, an appeals court for a new trial.