Bridgestone/Firestone, Ford score court victory regarding class action claims

May 3, 2002

A federal appeals court in Chicago, Ill., has overturned a ruling that granted class action status to product liability claims involving Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc.'s (BFAH) Wilderness tires and Ford Motor Co.'s Explorer SUV.

The court ruled that a single trial representing numerous product liability claims would be impossible to manage.

"The issues and circumstances involved in these no-injury lawsuits are far too varied to justify class certification," BFAH officials said in an official statement.

"It would make the legal process less efficient and less manageable, exactly the opposite of what a class action is intended to achieve."

Wilderness tire and Ford Explorer owners who want to sue the companies will now have to file individual cases.