US jury issues $US55m Honda verdict

A US jury has returned a $US55 million ($A59.51 million) verdict against Honda Motor Co for a rollover accident that left a driver paralysed.

Lawyers for Carlos Martinez argued a faulty seat belt design in his Acura Integra caused the injuries he suffered in 2010.

Honda says it will appeal the verdict issued on Thursday.

A company spokesman denied any defect in the restraint system.

A lawyer for Martinez said the father of four was driving to work in suburban Baltimore from his home in York, Pennsylvania, when a tyre blew out and he lost control of the car.

Lawyer Stewart Eisenberg said the seat belt failed to prevent Martinez's head from hitting the roof of the car as it rolled over.