Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settled Against Ford and Firestone

Strategic Insights -

The family of Trina Thurman Adams has reached an out-of-court settlement in their $60 million wrongful death lawsuit against Ford Motor Co. and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. The lawsuit claimed that the 1994 Ford Explorer, which was equipped with Firestone tires, was defective and in an unreasonably dangerous condition when sold. The vehicle's tires were among those recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone in August 1999 after being linked to accidents resulting in 119 deaths and over 500 injuries. The settlement amount was not disclosed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed by Trina Adams' family, claimed that the 1994 Ford Explorer was defective and in an unreasonably dangerous condition when sold, leading to her death in a July 1999 accident.
  • The Ford Explorer was equipped with Firestone tires, which were among those recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone in August 1999 after being linked to 119 deaths and over 500 injuries.
  • The case was scheduled for trial in Yazoo County but was settled out of court, with the amount undisclosed.
  • Bridgestone/Firestone has settled only two lawsuits involving the recalled tires: one in Texas and one in Mississippi, both of which involved allegations of injury or death.
  • Approximately 160 cases from around the country, involving allegations of injury or death, have been consolidated in federal court in Indianapolis.
  • The government is investigating over 3,500 complaints about the tires, many of which involve sudden tread separation.
  • Several of the lawsuits involving recalled tires have been settled by Ford Motor Co.

Statistics:

  • 119 deaths attributed to Firestone tires recalled in August 1999
  • Over 500 injuries attributed to Firestone tires recalled in August 1999
  • 6.5 million Firestone ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT tires recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone in August 1999
  • 3,500 complaints about the tires investigated by the government
  • 160 cases from around the country consolidated in federal court in Indianapolis
  • 2 lawsuits settled by Bridgestone/Firestone involving recalled tires

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • The Memphis Commercial Appeal
  • Indianapolis Star
  • The New York Times
  • The Los Angeles Times
  • Washington Post
  • The Gulf Dispatch
  • Yazoo County Circuit Clerk
  • Ford Motor Co.
  • Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.