In a potentially significant development in personal injury, negligence, and products liability law, Ford Motor Co. has agreed to mediation with the family of a couple killed in a Ford Super Duty truck rollover. This comes after a Georgia federal judge encouraged both parties to attempt settlement before Ford moves forward with efforts to overturn a historic $2.5 billion punitive damages verdict.
The case involves the 2022 deaths of Debra and Herman Mills, whose sons sued Ford, claiming the company knowingly used weak truck roofs despite having the capability to build stronger ones. The jury awarded the Mills family $30.5 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $2.5 billion in punitive damages.
Ford is seeking a new trial, arguing that the jury was improperly influenced by knowledge of a prior $1.7 billion verdict in a similar Georgia case. That case, Hill v. Ford Motor Co., is currently on appeal. The automaker insists that this prejudicial information led to an unfairly high award.
While both Ford and the Mills family have agreed to mediation, they will first complete post-trial briefings. The suggested mediator is retired U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler. The case highlights ongoing concerns about automaker liability and safety standards in vehicle manufacturing.
This case could have lasting implications for product liability lawsuits and corporate responsibility in the auto industry. Stay tuned for updates as mediation unfolds.
The Plaintiffs are represented by Butler Prather, LLP; LaRae Dixon Moore of Page Scrantom Sprouse Tucker & Ford, PC; and Bondurant Mixson & Elmore, LLP.
Ford is represented by Watson Spence, LLP; Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP; Thompson Hine, LLP; Huie Fernambucq & Stewart, LLP; and Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons, LLP.
Were you or someone you know injured by an unsafe product? Contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation regarding your potential Products Liability Personal Injury Negligence case.
