Defective Design: Defective 15-Passenger Van Causes Catastrophic Accident
Hidalgo County, Texas: On October 25, 2007, while transporting a juvenile detainee, Marisa Barajas’ 2007 Ford E350 Econoline 15-passenger van went out of control and rollover over, crushing the roof above the driver’s position into Ms. Barajas. Ms. Barajas sustained severe injuries, which subsequently led to her death.
Wigington Rumley Dunn & Blair, L.L.P. filed a suit contending that the 2007 E-350 15-passenger van had inherent handling and stability defects. The defective handling and instability resulted from a high center of gravity, a relatively narrow track width, a relatively short wheelbase, and its structure and seating configuration. In addition, the subject vehicle is defectively designed with respect to its roof structure. Ford Motor Company designed, manufactured, assembled, marketed, inspected and distributed the van in a defective condition, unreasonably dangerous to the public and to the Plaintiff, through her employer.
Marisa Barajas, age 36, was killed in the subject accident. Her parents, Marisela and Pedro Barajas, sought damages for themselves and their minor grandson for the loss of companionship, loss of consortium, loss of inheritance, including pecuniary damages and mental anguish. This case settled for a confidential sum.