Cooper Tire Tread Separation Results in $32.8 Million Jury Verdict for Rollover Accident Resulting in Quadriplegia and Wrongful Death

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On March 19, 2010, an Iowa jury returned a $32.8 million verdict in favor of Ivon Toe, Assata Karlar and five passengers in a 1997 Chrysler minivan that rolled over after sustaining a tire tread separation on the rear mounted Cooper Tire. Ivon Toe was rendered quadriplegic and Assata Karla suffered a wrongful death. Part of the jury verdict included punitive damages assessed against Cooper Tire. The plaintiffs’ attorneys relied on Cooper Tire’s delay for years in making needed changes to its tires despite Cooper Tire documents wherein Cooper Tire executives discussed tire failure rates and the cost of remediation. Cooper Tire claims its tires, including the tire involved in the Toe case, “are safe and reliable, exceeding not only all government standards but also our own, more rigorous, internal standards.” Cooper Tire says it will appeal the jury’s verdict. The case is Toe v. Cooper Tire and Rubber, CL 10694, Iowa District Court, Polk County (Des Moines).

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a wrongful death as a result of a tire tread separation or tire blow-out, contact the Baton Rouge, Louisiana tire lawyers at Dué Guidry Piedrahita Andrews Courrege L.C.. Email Louisiana injury lawyers or call (225) 929-7481 to schedule a free consultation.