Tampa Law Firm Sues Bridgestone/Firestone and Ford

Ralph and Donna Cordasco, E. Frank Griswold, III, John V. Monsour, and Richard H. Sollner, on Behalf of Themselves and All Others Similarly Situated, vs. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., and Ford Motor Company

Case No. 00-6304-CI-008

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 13 The law firm of James, Hoyer, Newcomer and Smiljanich, P.A. has filed a class action lawsuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on behalf of a class of all persons and entities who purchased defective 15- and 16-inch Firestone Radial ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT tires, either separately or as part of equipment on a new or used motor vehicle. The class includes claimants who are within current recalls as well as claimants who have been omitted from the current recall of these tires.

The lawsuit seeks redress for individuals who have replaced or who desire to replace Firestone tires based upon the partial recall and recent news reports of the large numbers of accidents occurring involving Bridgestone/Firestone tires and Ford Explorers.

The complaint alleges Counts of Breach of Express Warranty, Breach of Implied Warranty, Strict Liability, Negligence, and the Violation of the Florida Deceptive & Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Class action plaintiffs are residents of Florida who seek to represent all persons nationwide who were victimized by the defective tires sold by Bridgestone/Firestone and Ford Motor Company.

Mike Peacock, an attorney with James, Hoyer, Newcomer & Smiljanich, P.A., a Tampa law firm, stated "It is clear that a large number of accidents have occurred related to the failure of Firestone tires on Ford Explorers and other vehicles, which have resulted in deaths and serious bodily injury. It should not be necessary for owners of vehicles with these tires to continue to operate their vehicles, placing themselves and their family members at risk. This is especially true in light of the clear pattern of the defendants to conceal known information from the consuming public concerning the inherent risks in the use of the tires."