Jury awards family $6.75 million in lawsuit against Botox maker after son's spasm treatments

A New York couple who said Botox treatment of their son's cerebral palsy left him with life-threatening complications and sued its manufacturer have been awarded $6.75 million.

The federal jury verdict in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont, came Thursday, three days after the announcement drugmaker Actavis would acquire Botox maker Allergan for $66 billion. The acquisition is one of the biggest announced this year.

A lawyer for Mineville, New York, residents Lori and Kevin Drake says 7-year-old Joshua Drake suffered calf spasms due to mild cerebral palsy until he got Botox injections to treat them at a Burlington hospital. Attorney Ray Chester says Joshua has since developed epilepsy and must have an aide with him at all times in case he needs life-saving medications during a seizure.

Irvine, California-based Allergan hasn't responded to phone messages seeking comment.