Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will "vigorously appeal" a Texas jury's recent decision to award $36.9 million to the estate and family of a man who died last year due to injuries suffered when his truck rolled over after one of its tires, a nine-year-old Kelly brand product, disintegrated.
The tire in question had four visible, previous puncture repairs, "including one that had been repaired improperly," according to Goodyear in an official statement.
"Because of the improper repair, water and other contaminants were allowed to seep into the inner belt package of the tire causing corrosion that ultimately contributed to tread separation."
The tire also had "severe, visible bead area mounting damage" that led to under-inflation.
Goodyear calls the jury's decision "outrageous."
"It is our hope that this unfortunate incident can help educate the public on the importance of purchasing tires from a reputable and professional tire retailer, caring for those tires correctly, and having them repaired properly by professionals."
Goodyear lawyers are putting an appeal together right now.
However, the Akron, Ohio-based tiremaker has not said when the appeal will be filed.
"Somehow we have to get people to see the ludicrous nature of these situations," says a Goodyear spokesman.
