October 24, 2001 - Ford loses appeal in crash case

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A state appeals court on Wednesday upheld a $ 14 million jury verdict against Ford Motor Co. in a product liability case brought by a Chicago woman who was rendered a paraplegic stemming from an auto accident. Lydia Carillo was behind the wheel of 1991 Ford Explorer and stopped for a red light when she was hit from behind by a 1980 Chevrolet Impala speeding at about 60 mph. Although Carillo was wearing her seat belt, she was thrown into the vehicle's rear seat and fractured two vertebrae. The jury found that the Explorer was unreasonably dangerous. The driver of the car that struck Carillo, Kevin Gaczkowski, also was found liable for her injuries based on a negligence claim. But Gaczkowski was uninsured and was held in default before trial. In addition to the $ 14 million awarded to Carillo, the jury awarded her husband, Angelo Carillo, $ 500,000 for loss of consortium. Ford is liable for the total $ 14.5 million award. The award was a record verdict to a female for paraplegia over the past dozen years. Ford officials disagree with the Appellate Court's decision and are considering whether to seek further appeal, said Kathleen Vokes, a spokeswoman for the automaker.

In all automobile accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call now at or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.