Court Throws Out Judgment in Ford Product Liability Lawsuit
Court dismisses judgment in Ford lawsuit.
The Illinois Supreme Court has thrown out a jury's award in a lawsuit filed against the Ford Motor Company stemming from a fatal car accident.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Dora and John Jablonski, sought to recover damages on behalf of the victims based on a claim of product liability. Dora Jablonski was severely disfigured and her husband John was killed after their 1993 Lincoln Town Car burst into flames after being struck from behind.
The couple's vehicle was stopped at a construction site near Granite City when a distracted driver collided with their vehicle going 60 miles per hour. A large pipe wrench in the Town Car's trunk was propelled into the vehicle's gas tank, resulting in a fiery explosion that caused Ms. Jablonski's injuries and Mr. Jablonski's death.
Attorneys for Ms. Jablonski alleged that the rear positioning of the car's fuel tank contributed to the accident and that the Ford company should have taken action to warn drivers of the potential risk for accidents and/or issued a safety recall.
An Illinois jury initially awarded the Jablonski estate a judgment of $43 million, which was upheld unanimously by the Southern Illinois 5th Appellate District Court following an appeal by Ford. However, the Illinois Supreme Court subsequently voted to overturn the jury's award citing insufficient evidence to prove negligence on behalf of the Ford Motor Company. The Ford Company has since expressed gratitude for the court's decision and cited the driver who hit the Jablonskis as being solely responsible for the accident.
The Jablonski family agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the driver for an undisclosed amount.
This case demonstrates how important it is to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney following a car accident. While the surviving victim's product liability claim was ultimately thrown out, she was able to recover compensation from the negligent driver for her injuries and the wrongful death of her husband.
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed as a result of a car accident caused by someone else's careless or reckless behavior, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. As the victim of a car accident, you may be facing long-term hospitalization, extensive surgeries or physical therapy to fully recover. In addition to dealing with physical and emotional trauma, you may also be feeling financially devastated by mounting medical bills and loss of wages.
Contact us today at 1-800-722-0765 to speak with one of our California car accident experts to find out how we can help. You can speak with a member of our personal injury legal team absolutely free and there is no fee unless we win a money judgment on your behalf. Call us today to get the legal representation you need to win your California car accident injury case.
