Lawsuit Against Firestone Elicits Receipt of Complaints From Consumers Nationwide

    PASADENA, Calif.--Aug. 23, 2002--In slightly over a week since a class action lawsuit was filed against Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. and Bridgestone Corporation, Inc. for alleged defects in its Steeltex tire series, attorneys from the law firm of Lisoni & Lisoni have received and studied reports from consumers and government entities from all sections of the United States alleging significant tire damage and vehicle mishaps resulting from the tires' alleged defects.
    According to Joseph L. Lisoni, Senior Partner of the Pasadena, CA-based law firm which filed the lawsuit in association with the Attorney Steven Weinberger, "Some communications have also been received from Bridgestone/Firestone dealers who have expressed concern and emphasized the need for safety."
    Lisoni emphasized that, "As Steeltex tire owners become aware of the lawsuit through media reports and other means, many are contacting the law firm to report on defects and negative experiences with their Steeltex R4S, R4SII and A/T light truck tires. The law firm has set up a special website, www.firestonesteeltexclassaction.com, where people can file complaints with the law firm or directly to the Department of Transportation."
    All complaints the firm receives, Lisoni pointed out, will be forwarded within the next 90 days to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) along with supporting documentary evidence for the purposes of encouraging the NHTSA to reopen its investigation of the Steeltex tire series.
    Commenting on the response from the public to the filing of the lawsuit, Lisoni remarked: "From the reports we have received, it certainly appears that there are a growing number of Bridgestone/Firestone customers who own Steeltex tires who are extremely dissatisfied and need an outlet to vent their anger. Many have told stories of near death experiences from total tread separations and others are frustrated that the manufacturer doesn't seem to care and many dealers refuse to help. It is imperative that Bridgestone/Firestone recall the Steeltex tire series."
    "Another area of utmost concern relating to alleged Steeltex tire defects," Lisoni pointed out, "are nationwide reports of tire failures on law enforcement and emergency vehicles, including sheriff's vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks, as reported by CBS News in March of last year." According to CBS News, there were 18 cases of ambulance tire failures reported by Emergency Medical Service agencies in the state of Kansas, and ambulance services in Sun City, Ariz., and Augusta, Ga., have replaced all Firestone tires on emergency vehicles.
    Lisoni urged owners of Bridgestone/Firestone Steeltex tires who have experienced problems to contact his firm either through the website or by telephone at 626/440-1333.