The initial trial against Ford in 2018 resulted in a mistrial after a Ford expert violated a court order. Sanctions were imposed on the company, albeit not on its attorneys. The court held Ford responsible, stating that the weak roof had caused the couple’s deaths and that Ford’s failure to strengthen it was willful and reckless.
Last year, a retrial concluded with a shocking $1.7 billion in punitive damages and $24 million in compensatory damages awarded to the Hills. In a significant setback for Ford, Judge Iannazzone denied their request for a new damages trial and judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Ford has since initiated the appeal process.
Legal Lineup
The Hills are represented by an exceptional legal team, including James E. Butler Jr., Ramsey B. Prather, Daniel E. Philyaw of Butler Prather LLP, Gerald Davidson Jr. of Mahaffey Pickens Tucker LLP, Michael B. Terry, Frank M. Lowrey of Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP, and Larry Walker and Michael G. Gray of Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore.
