Goodyear Statement on Nevada Court Ruling

Last week the Nevada Supreme Court upheld a jury trial's $32.2 million judgment against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. resulting from a 2004 accident that killed three people and injured seven others. The court rejected the tyre-maker’s claim that the jury award was excessive, reports Tire Review.

Goodyear issued the following statement regarding the case: “There is no question this was a tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families. Goodyear is extremely disappointed in the decision.

“At the original trial, the facts showed the tyre’s failure was due to significant road hazard damage that occurred before the accident and not the result of any defect in the tyre.

“In fact, when Goodyear was allowed to present its case to the jury, it ruled in Goodyear’s favour and did not award punitive damages.

“However, due to a procedural ruling having nothing to do with the tyre, the trial court denied Goodyear the opportunity to present its defence and the judge instructed the jury to consider the company liable for compensatory damages.

“Goodyear agrees with the dissenting opinion in the Nevada Supreme Court that the original trial subjected Goodyear to a “sentence first – verdict afterwards” approach and denied the company due process – which is guaranteed by the US Constitution.

“The company is considering its options.”