Bridgestone-Firestone to pay 149 million dollars

A Texas state court judge has approved a 149 million dollar settlement of 30 class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of tyre owners against Bridgestone-Firestone North American Tire. The settlement involved only plaintiffs who had not suffered any injuries or property damage.

The company said other suits involving people who were injured or suffered property damage might still be outstanding, but declined to be more specific. The settlement calls for Firestone to pay an estimated 70 million dollars to replace tyres, 41 million dollars to manufacture certain tyres with materials that provide better high speed capacity, 15.5 million dollars on a consumer education and awareness campaign and 19 million dollars for attorneys’ fees. The company also has paid 3.5 million dollars to notify class members of the settlement plan.

The 45 named plaintiffs each could receive up to 2,500 dollars. The settlement could affect an estimated 15 million drivers and involve about 60 million tires. Attorney Mitchell Toups said the judge erred in approving the settlement and that he and other objectors plan to appeal the order.