Defense Verdict in Seat Belt Case for Malek and Davis

Huie trial lawyers Paul Malek and Elizabeth Davis tried a case for Ford Motor Company to a unanimous defense verdict on February 19, 2020, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. In December of 2012, the Plaintiff was involved in a single vehicle rollover crash in Jefferson County, Alabama.  He brought suit against Ford Motor Company alleging that his seat belt in his Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck became unlatched during the rollover, causing severe injuries. The Plaintiff asked the jury for up to 9 million dollars in damages.

Ford Motor Company’s trial team proved that the seat belt system of the F-250 functioned properly at the time of the rollover crash, and that it continues to function properly today. At the close of trial, the jury returned its verdict in favor of Ford. Paul and Elizabeth tried the case along with Jeff Doss of Lightfoot, Franklin & White, who provided superlative appellate support throughout the case. Mindy Ruggiero served as the trial team’s paralegal.