The controversial stun-gun, Taser, has been found responsible for the death of 40-year-old Robert Heston Jr.
The ruling marks the first major in-court loss for Taser International and a federal jury in San Jose, California, has awarded Mr Heston Jr's family $6 million in punitive and compensatory damages.
Taser International had previously remained surprisingly successful throughout numerous courtroom hearings. According to reports, it had won 69 hearings in succession.
That all changed late last week, when an autopsy found that Mr Heston Jr., who had an enlarged heart due to long-term drug abuse, died due to the combination of methamphetamine intoxication and Taser shock.
An attorney for Mr Heston's family called the verdict a "landmark decision", and a near 12 per cent drop in Taser International's stock followed shortly after.
Despite Taser's controversial product, orders continue to be made in large numbers. In New York City, an additional 520 Tasers are to be made available to police officers in the near future.
Taser International, meanwhile, has attempted to downplay its role in Mr Heston's death by issuing a press release that states "TASER ECD contributed 15 per cent to the death of Robert C. Heston".
Amnesty International, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognised human rights, has repeatedly issued concerns regarding the use of Taser devices. It states that over 245 documented deaths have occurred following the use of Tasers.
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