Shocking Verdict: TASER hit for $10 Million

A federal jury in Charlotte, North Carolina awarded $10 million in the death of a local teen.  Here's reporter Doug Miller's account at the Charlotte Observer:

A federal jury has ordered Taser International Inc. to pay $10 million to the family of a 17-year-old Charlotte teenager who died after a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer struck him with a Taser.
The incident happened in March 2008 at a Food Lion in northeast Charlotte.

Police at the time said the officer violated policy when he shocked Darryl Turner (pic) for about 37 seconds, contributing to the teen's death. Turner fell to the floor during the confrontation and died.

The jury returned its verdict Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.

Lawyers for Turner's family persuaded jurors that the manufacturer knew the product could cause heart problems if it struck near the heart but failed to warn customers, the newspaper reported.
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Great.  Go after TASER Inernational and the Boys who think they need these toys as often as merited.  While I don't think this weapon should be unavailable to law enforcement TASERS should be used rarely.  In other words current usage levels are out of control.  These are dangerous, often fatal weapons too often deployed by knuckleheads with badges.