Ford Fights $1.7 Billion Payout Over Fatal F-250 Rollover

Background

In 2014, Melvin and Voncile Hill tragically lost their lives when their Ford F-250 rolled over due to a tire blowout. The incident occurred in Georgia, leading to a legal battle that has culminated in a $1.7 billion verdict against Ford.

The Legal Battle

After a lengthy court battle, Ford is facing a significant payout to the Hill family. The case revolves around the installation of incorrectly sized tires on the pickup truck by a Pep Boys service center. The court ordered Ford to pay $1.7 billion, with the service center responsible for 30% of the damages.

Appeal and Controversy

Ford has launched an appeal to overturn the verdict, citing bias in the punitive damages awarded. The company argues that safety regulations for roof strength were not in place when the F-250 was built in 2002. Ford also points out that the couple was not wearing their seatbelts correctly at the time of the accident.

Support and Opposition

Ford has received support from various organizations for its appeal, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Georgia and United States Chambers of Commerce. However, the Hill family’s lawyers are seeking a significant portion of the payout, totaling $549 million in fees.

Conclusion

The outcome of Ford’s appeal in the Court of Appeals of Georgia will determine whether the company has to pay the $1.7 billion verdict. The case highlights the complexities of product liability and safety standards in the automotive industry.