Ford to appeal $18 million verdict in Explorer case

Aug 7, 2006

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

A law firm said a South Carolina court awarded plaintiffs $18 million in a case against Ford Motor Co. (F) for a fatal rollover accident.

Kathleen Vokes, a spokeswoman for the Dearborn, Mich., car maker, said the accident was attributable to driver error.
She added the accident is a "tragic reminder" to use seat belts.

The 1999 accident involving a 1995 Ford Explorer killed one person and paralyzed another.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs said a jury determined the plaintiffs were wearing their seat belts.

Vokes added attorneys have been promoting the "phenomenon of alleged sudden acceleration," despite research showing the cause is "pedal misapplication."

Lawsuits against Ford, TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. and D&D Motors questioned the safety of the vehicle's seat belts and cruise control.

The case, Sonya Watson vs. Ford, was filed and tried in South Carolina Circuit Court in Greenville.
Order free Annual Report for Ford Motor Co.

Visit http://djnewswires.ar.wilink.com/?link=F or call 1-888-301-0513