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Federal jury in central Illinois awards brain damaged woman $15 million for injuries sustained as a result of defective motorcycle tire

August 31st, 2007 by Dawn Mefford

Last week, a jury seated in the Federal District Court of Central Illinois, decided that Goodyear owed plaintiff Trish McCloud more than $15 million for the brain injuries she suffered when the tire blew causing the motorcycle upon which she rode to flip.  To read the Peoria Journal Star’s article on the verdict click here. 

In May 2002, McCloud was a passenger, traveling from a motorcycle rally in St. Louis to Michigan when the blow out occurred.  When the bike flipped she landed on her head.  Though she was wearing a helmet, the impact still caused severe brain damage that left her drifting in and out of a coma.  To this day, she is still partially paralyzed and is dependent upon full-time care for her injuries. 

Goodyear argued that the tire was improperly deflated and that too much weight was being placed on the motorcycle.  But after two days of deliberation, the jury didn’t buy the defense. 

The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.5 million for her physical disfigurement, $3.8 million for her medical costs and over $9.75 million for her reduced quality of life and the pain she has suffered. 

There is no word yet on whether the company will appeal. 

To read the Peoria Journal Star’s article on the verdict click here. 

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