Bridgestone settles tyre-related wrongful death lawsuit

ERJ staff report (TB)

Walker County, Georgia - Bridgestone Americas has settled a wrongful death lawsuit before the Walker County Circuit Court, the tyre maker said.

Leonard Heavrin, a retired Indiana banker, and his wife Nancy were traveling through Tennessee on Nov. 10, 2005, on the way to visit family in Georgia and Florida. On Interstate 24 near Manchester, Tenn., a Ford F-250 pickup driven by William Chastain of Walker County went out of control when a Firestone Steeltex Radial R4S II tyre on the left front of the truck allegedly suffered a tread separation.

Mr. Chastain's truck crossed the median and struck the Heavrins' vehicle, killing them instantly.

The terms of the March 21 settlement are confidential, according to George Fryhofer III, the Atlanta attorney who represented the Heavrins' estate.

“Our clients are very pleased by the result, which makes their long wait for justice worthwhile,” Mr. Fryhofer said in a press release. “Though nothing can bring their loved ones back, we are hopeful that this settlement can finally bring some closure to the Heavrin family.”

Bridgestone denied any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.

“We very much regret the loss of life and injuries in this tragic accident, but maintain that the tyre in question de-treaded as a result of abuse and lack of proper maintenance,” the company said.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)