Michelin to pay $16.5 million in tyre failure suit

A jury in the US state of Georgia has ordered Michelin North America to pay $16.5 million in a tyre blowout case that killed a 50-year-old Bhutanese immigrant in 2011, reports Tire Review. The man was killed when the rear tyre allegedly suffered a sudden failure, causing the large van to lose control and flip over on I-75 near Macon, Georgia. Two people were killed and 12 more were injured in the single-vehicle accident.

Michelin North America is considering an appeal in the case, citing among other tings that the tyre in question had more than 50,000 miles of service and an illegal tyre repair. “Michelin is disappointed by the outcome and respectfully disagrees with the verdict,” company spokesman Craig Hodges told Associated Press. “The tyre had been in use for over 50,000 miles and had an improper repair of a half-inch cut. Michelin always strives for excellence in product quality and safety; this tyre is no different.”

The County jury found Michelin 80 per cent at fault and the driver 20 per cent at fault. The award included $5 million to the widow for wrongful death, $20,000 for funeral expenses, and $11.5 million in punitive damages, according to reports.