Christopher M. Leaf v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Personal Injury - Strict Liability - Plaintiff was injured when a Goodyear tire ruptured while he was working on it. The original tread on the tire had worn out, and it was retreaded and sent to plaintiff's place of employment. Plaintiff removed the old tire from its rim and replaced it with the retreaded tire. The bead on the retreaded tire would not seal on the rim, making inflation impossible without the use of a "bead blaster." When a bead blaster is used, the accepted practice is to partially inflate the tire with an air hose after the bead blaster seals the tire on the rim, the to complete the inflation process after the tire is placed in a safety cage.

In this case, plaintiff left an air hose attached to the tire, which was still outside the cage, while he looked for a valve core. Air continued to enter the tire, which ruptured before plaintiff could put it in the cage.

Plaintiff's verdict for $274,225.90.

Dick Baumgardner, former engineer, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.

Unknown

Affirmed by the Supreme Court of Iowa. See: 590 N.W.2d 525 (Iowa 1999). Note: The above date reflects the appellate court decision date, not the original trial date. Reported by dss.