Goodyear Reaches Settlement over Alleged Defective Tyre

Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America Ltd. has reached a US$1.75 million settlement with the families of two teenagers killed in an accident seven years ago. The family of the teenagers allege that the collision than took place in Roanoke County, Virginia, was the responsibility of the tyremaker.

The teenagers were riding in the back of a campervan when the vehicle’s right rear tyre lost its treat and experienced a blow out. As a result the campervan veered across the median strip and overturned, causing the vehicle’s camper body to fly off. Both teenagers were thrown onto the road and killed.

According to court documents, Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America Ltd. agreed to pay the each of the teenagers’ families US$875,000. In exchange for the settlement, the company is released from any claims of liability in the deaths of 17-year-old Christopher Smith and Johnna Hamilton, aged 15, on June 23, 2000.

In 2002, the families sued Goodyear and its subsidiaries, alleging that the Dunlop tyre fitted to the campervan’s right rear wheel was defectively designed. The lawsuits on behalf of the teenagers asked for US$2 million. The compromise settlements were signed February 14.

The families’ attorney, Jeff Krasnow, declined to comment on the settlement, only stating “We’re glad the litigation is over.” Goodyear spokesman Ed Markey also declined to comment on the lawsuits.