Houston ? A federal jury Friday awarded more than $100 million to 10 workers who claimed they were injured in 2007 when a toxic substance was released at BP PLC’s Texas City plant.

The jurors in Galveston, about 50 miles southeast of Houston, gave each contract worker $10 million in punitive damages. Nine of the workers were also awarded between $5,000 and $10,000 for pain and suffering and medical expenses, while the 10th got more than $240,000.

The verdict came after 1 1/2 days of deliberations following a three-week trial.

In a brief statement, BP denied it had harmed any of the workers.

“We are shocked and outraged by today’s verdict, and we will appeal,” BP said. “The verdict, and punitive damages award in particular, is utterly unjustified, improper and unsupportable.”

Tony Buzbee, the workers’ attorney, said his clients were pleased with the jury’s decision, adding he had approached BP before the trial and had offered to settle for $10,000 for each worker. BP rejected the proposal, he said.