Critics seek changes in Firestone settlement

By Pam Easton
Associated Press

BEAUMONT, Texas — Critics of a proposed $149 million deal that would settle 30 class-action lawsuits against Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire packed a courtroom yesterday to oppose the agreement, asking a judge to allow changes before approving it.

State District Judge Donald Floyd said he would decide within a month whether to approve, reject or allow revisions to the settlement, which comes more than three years after the 2000 recall of 14.4 million Firestone tires amid safety concerns.

"This is a complete illusionary deal," said attorney Mitchell Toups, who asked Floyd to allow objectors 60 days to improve the settlement so it would offer additional compensation to people who owned Firestone tires but did not suffer personal injury or property damage.

"We didn't come here to wreck this deal," Toups said. "Give us the opportunity to bring to these lawyers what we think will work."

Company officials say the settlement, which could affect 15 million people and about 60 million tires, is good for all parties.

"This is a large settlement and it is one we think is fair and in the best interest of everyone," said Marina Marich, spokeswoman for the Nashville, Tenn.-based tire maker.

The court received 110 written objections and more than two dozen attorneys showed up Wednesday to personally voice their discontent.

But attorneys for the tire maker and class-action representative Terri Shields said they would not negotiate with those opposed to the agreement, which the tire maker agreed to in July.