Man receives $138,000 for injuries in fight

AUGUSTA – A Kennebec County Superior Court jury has awarded a Winslow man more than $138,000 for facial injuries stemming from a fight during a night of drinking at a restaurant in West Forks in 2005.

Eric Johnson’s jaw was broken during the fight with Brian Beaulieu of Sidney. The two men had previously been friends and worked together for a rafting company.

Beaulieu admitted hitting Johnson during a scuffle over car keys when he and another man tried to prevent Johnson from driving.

Johnson claimed he suffered a fractured face and underwent three surgeries, including having a plate inserted to hold his jaw together.

Johnson had sued for $413,000, including punitive damages, but the jury reduced that to $138,000. Beaulieu’s lawyer said an appeal is under consideration.