As reported by ABC News and other media, a man that failed to disclose his genital Herpes to a woman, before engaging in sex, has been ordered by a jury to pay $6.7 million.
Tom Redmond, a wealthy California businessman, was guilty of negligence in transmitting the disease to Patricia Behr in October 2003 when they two began a sexual relationship.
In July 2004, after the couple had broken up, Behr tested positive for the Herpes virus.
Behr was additionally awarded $2.75 million in punitive damages, $2.5 million in compensatory damagers for her future medical expenses, $1.5 million for pain and suffering and a 2004 BMW.
Redmond had claimed that the BMW was only on loan to Behr but the jury included its ownership to her in the award.
The trial was held in Riverside County Superior Court and lasted 11 days.
Per court records, Redmond, was made wealthy from the sale of his hair care products company, "for many millions ... owned beautiful homes in several locations, had a private jet, and enjoyed the trappings of his hard-earned wealth."
Also according to court papers, Behr had been set up in a furniture design business with $129,000 from Redmond in funding. He backed out of the business venture in April 2005.
Behr brought this suit against him a few months afterwards.
Redmond admitted that he contracted Herpes over 30 years ago and claimed in court that "Much of this case is 'he said-she said.'"
Behr stated in her complaint that the two had a 'frank discussion" about his "sexual limitations" but he "did not inform Plaintiff that he was infected with an incurable venereal disease."
Behr further contended that Redmond did not use a condom though he was aware that "Herpes could be prevented, at least in large part, by the use of condoms."
During February 2004 Redmond told Behr that his Herpes was active, the next day, he corrected himself and said that he was mistaken. The two then engaged in sex.
Behr stated that the, "defendant ... knew or should have known that he could infect Plaintiff with Herpes whether or not he was having an active outbreak of Herpes."
Redmond has claimed that Behr knew of his infection and the lawsuit it in retaliation for him pulling back from their business relationship. The document reads, "The suit was the first time she accused Tom Redmond of giving her Herpes."
In its verdict, the jury, in siding with Behr said that Redmond did "fraudulently conceal his genital Herpes from Patricia Behr before he had sexual intercourse with her."
Shaun M. Murphy, Behr's Palm Springs attorney said, "This verdict is a clear message to all persons infected with a sexually transmitted disease that this type of behavior simply will not be tolerated."
While Redmond's defense attorney, Robert M. Frisbee of Phoenix, is planning to appeal the decision said, "The jury decided they didn't like a wealthy man for no particular reason I can find out."
Redmond has since married another woman.
His company, Redmond Products, garnered annual sales of approximately $130 million before he sold it to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. in 1997.
If you have been hurt by the action, or inaction, of someone else, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Monetary compensation may be awarded for your pain and suffering.