Illinois Supreme Court overturns $43,000,000 against Ford Motor Company
The Illinois Supreme court reversed a $43,000,000 verdict against Ford Motor company citing the lack of sufficient evidence in a fuel tank explosion that killed one person and severely burned another.
Dora Mae Jablosnki and her husband John, were awarded $28,000,000 in compensatory damages and $15,000,000 in punitive damages by a Madison Country jury in 2005. The Jablonskis were rear-ended at high speeds in a construction zone.
The Jablonski's were driving a 1993 Lincoln Town car. The impact caused a pipe wrench in the trunk of the Jablonski's car to penetrate the trunk and puncture the gas tank which caused the tank to burst into flames. John Jablonski was killed in the accident and Dora Mae was severely burned.
Jablonski's attorneys claim that Ford's design of the car was negligent and failed to warn buyers of the risk.
Ford claims that moving the tank forward would eliminate the rear-wheel drive and body on frame construction of the car, making it a totally different car.
The original verdict was upheld by the Appeals court but the reversal by the Illinois Supreme Court was unanimous.