Ford Ordered to Pay $4.8 Million for Explorer Rollover Crash

A Texas man was awarded $4.8 million for injuries he suffered in a crash involving his 1999 Ford Explorer. Jose Leos-Ortiz was driving his vehicle down a Texas highway in June 2009 when the Explorer rolled over, severing the driver’s left arm.

According to the lawsuit, the type of glass Ford used on the vehicle’s windows. Leos-Ortiz’s attorney stated that the tempered glass used by the automaker shattered upon impact, causing the driver’s injury. Moreover, he argued that had laminated glass been used instead of the cheaper tempered glass, the window would not have shattered. Tempered glass is a cheaper option, but laminated glass is safer because it contains plastic layers to keep broken pieces intact.

The jury found Ford 90% liable and Leos-Ortiz 10% liable, because he had not kept up maintenance on the vehicle. The award included $3.3 million for past damages and $1.5 million for future damages.

“Companies constantly have to make decisions between being quality and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, the decision made by Ford compromised too much in the area of safety, which contributed to this driver’s severe injury,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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