ORANGE, Texas (July 9, 2002) — Sears, Roebuck and Co. said it will most certainly appeal a state court jury's award of about $29 million to the family of a Texas man killed in a rollover accident.
Terry Tripp died in August 2000 when a Bridgestone Dueler APT tire on his Chevrolet Blazer allegedly suffered a tread separation, causing the driver to lose control, leading to the vehicle´s rolling over. Bridgestone/Firestone was held 65-percent liable in the accident. Sears was held 35-percent liable; the tire was purchased and mounted at a Sears outlet.
“We continue to believe that Sears' handling of the tire was entirely proper and appropriate,” a Sears spokeswoman said.
A Bridgestone/Firestone spokeswoman said her company will not appeal and is finished with the case.