Wheeler v. Ford

SETTLED

Trial
12/02/09 – 12/18/09

Summary

Product liability jury trial based on allegedly defective rear seat occupant protection system of the 2002 Ford Explorer that left plaintiff a permanent, complete quadriplegic.

According to the plaintiff, a frontal vehicle collision occurred when a vehicle crossed the center line and struck the Explorer. Upon impact, the Explorer's rear seat allegedly broke and moved down and forward, and the restraint system, including the seat, belt, and surrounding surfaces, failed to prevent the plaintiff's head and neck from being driven down and forward into the front seat and/or center console, catastrophically injuring the plaintiff's spinal cord.

The jury had already awarded damages of $17.7 million judgment and was still out considering punitive damages when Ford settled the case.

View a free video clip from the case:
Plaintiff's Attorney, James E. Butler Jr., delivers opening statement -- Clip 1

Outcome

Settled

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Judge
Morris Braswell
Jurisdiction
Superior Court of Georgia, Clayton County
Court
Harold R. Banke Justice Center
Case Number
2007CV05570E
Industry
Automotive
Practice Area
Products Liability, Tort Law
Plaintiff
Wheeler, Douglas
Defense
Ford Motor Co Inc
Defense
Stanley, John
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

DEC
2
DEC
3
DEC
4
DEC
7
AM Session
Plaintiff Witness(es)
3 Chapters
DEC
8
DEC
9
DEC
10
DEC
11
DEC
14
DEC
15
PM Session
Not in Session
0 Chapters
DEC
16
PM Session
Other
2 Chapters
DEC
17
AM Session
Other
2 Chapters
PM Session
Punitive Verdict
3 Chapters
DEC
18

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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