Tire-Separation Case Asks for $1 Billion Damages
By John Millrany - August 13, 2001After more than 150 tire-defect cases have been settled out of court by Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., the first major trial case against the tire maker opened today in which the plaintiffs are seeking up to $1 billion in damages.
Bridgestone/Firestone immediately denied it was responsible for a rollover that caused Marisa Rodriguez, 39, to be confined to a wheelchair and injured three other family members, when the trial began in a McAllen, TX federal district courtroom.
Arguing over the issue of tire separation, Bridgestone/Firestone Attorney Knox Nunnally told jurors he would show that the company’s tires do not cause the type of accident suffered by the Rodriguezes, who were in a ‘98 Ford Explorer in March 2000.
"While Firestone is responsible for the tire, Ford is responsible for the safety of the entire vehicle," he said, further alleging that the "Ford Explorer is uncontrollable at highways speeds," according to AP Reporter Lynn Brezosky.
The reporter said the attorneys for the Rodiguez family will try to convince the jury that Firestone/Bridgestone never took full responsibility for 203 deaths and more than 700 injuries linked to defects by the tire manufacturer.
In August 2000 Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires, many of which came on Ford Motor Co. vehicles. Ford recalled an additional 13 million tires in May, saying it was concerned about the tires’ safety.
Bridgestone/Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgstone Corp., said Ford’s action was unnecessary. Last month, a federal judge refused to issue an emergency injunction against Bridgestone/Firestone that would have expanded the company’s tire recall by as many as 3 million tires, AP said.
With an out-of-court settlement still a possibility, US District Judge Filemon Vela said the court case could last two weeks.
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