If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries or death following a rollover accident involving a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 pickup truck (1999-2016) where the roof collapsed, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to Ford’s defective roof design.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
- Ford Roof Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Ford Roof Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Ford Roof Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Ford Roof Lawsuit?
- Ford Roof Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Ford Roof Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What is the Ford roof lawsuit about?
- 2. Which Ford vehicles are affected by the roof defect lawsuit?
- 3. What happened in the Hill family lawsuit against Ford?
- 4. Has Ford recalled these trucks for the roof defect?
- 5. How many similar lawsuits have been filed against Ford?
- 6. What types of injuries typically occur in Ford roof collapse cases?
- 7. How much compensation can I receive from a Ford roof lawsuit?
- 8. Is there a class action lawsuit for Ford roof defects?
- 9. What is the deadline for filing a Ford roof lawsuit?
- 10. How can Schmidt & Clark, LLP help with my Ford roof lawsuit?
- Get a Free Ford Roof Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Ford Roof Lawsuit Overview
Ford Motor Company faces lawsuits alleging their Super Duty truck roofs are dangerously weak and prone to collapse during rollover accidents.
Plaintiffs claim Ford knew about these defects for at least 20 years but failed to make necessary improvements.
At least 5.2 million potentially defective trucks remain on the road today. The lawsuits also note that pre-2009 Ford F-150 pickups have nearly identical roof designs.
Latest Ford Roof Lawsuit Updates
- February 17, 2025 – A Georgia jury awarded $2.5 billion in punitive damages to the family of Debra and Herman Mills, who died when their Ford Super Duty truck’s roof collapsed in a rollover. This verdict is among the largest against Ford in relation to roof defects [1].
- October 4, 2024 – A federal judge denied Ford’s motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit over roof crush defects in Ford Super Duty trucks. Plaintiffs allege Ford knowingly sold vehicles with defective roofs that fail during rollovers [2].
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
Relevant statistics include:
- Ford has not issued a voluntary recall over the alleged roof defect despite the verdict.
- NHTSA has issued only one forced recall for a similar issue since 1970 (Jeep CJ series in 1979).
- As of 2017, Ford faced at least 162 lawsuits alleging rollover and roof crush failures in their Super Duty trucks.
- Approximately 5.2 million potentially affected trucks remain on roads today.
Ford Roof Injuries & Side Effects
Roof collapse in Ford Super Duty trucks during rollover accidents has resulted in severe injuries and fatalities:
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Complete or partial paralysis, including quadriplegia and paraplegia.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Severe head trauma resulting from roof intrusion into occupant space.
- Crush Injuries: Severe compression of vital body structures causing permanent disability.
- Fatal Injuries: Deaths directly attributed to roof failure during otherwise survivable crashes.
Do You Qualify for a Ford Roof Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Ford Roof lawsuit if:
- You or a loved one used a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 pickup truck from model years 1999-2016.
- You experienced serious injuries or a family member died in a rollover accident.
- The injuries or death occurred when the truck’s roof collapsed or deformed during the rollover.
- You can provide medical documentation linking the injuries to the roof collapse.
Evidence Required for a Ford Roof Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you should gather:
- Medical records documenting injuries sustained in the accident.
- Vehicle ownership and maintenance records.
- Accident reports and photographs of the damaged vehicle.
- Witness statements and expert testimony regarding the roof failure.
Damages You Can Recover
Successful plaintiffs in Ford roof lawsuits may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses for past and future treatment.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma.
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence.
- Wrongful death compensation for families who lost loved ones.
Ford Roof Recall Information
To date, Ford has not issued a voluntary recall specifically addressing the roof crush defect in Super Duty trucks.
In the Summer of 2022, Ford did announce a recall of nearly 3 million vehicles for an unrelated rollaway risk issue, demonstrating that the company does issue recalls for other safety concerns.
Statute of Limitations for Ford Roof Lawsuits
The time limit to file a Ford roof lawsuit varies by state. In most jurisdictions, personal injury claims must be filed within 2-3 years from the date of injury. Wrongful death claims typically have similar timeframes, calculated from the date of death.
It’s critical to consult with an attorney promptly as the statute of limitations could expire, permanently barring your right to compensation.
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FAQs
1. What is the Ford roof lawsuit about?
The Ford roof lawsuit alleges that certain Ford Super Duty pickup trucks (F-250, F-350, and F-450) have defective roof designs that can collapse during rollover accidents, causing severe injuries or death to occupants. Plaintiffs claim Ford knew about these design flaws for decades but failed to address them.
2. Which Ford vehicles are affected by the roof defect lawsuit?
Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 pickup trucks manufactured from 1999 to 2016 are primarily affected. Evidence also suggests that pre-2009 Ford F-150 pickups have a similar roof design that may be defective.
3. What happened in the Hill family lawsuit against Ford?
The Hill family sued Ford after their parents, Voncile and Melvin Hill, were killed when their F-250 pickup rolled over and the roof collapsed. In August 2022, a Georgia jury awarded the family $24 million in compensatory damages and $1.7 billion in punitive damages.
4. Has Ford recalled these trucks for the roof defect?
No, Ford has not issued a voluntary recall for the alleged roof defect in Super Duty trucks, despite the significant verdict against them and multiple lawsuits.
5. How many similar lawsuits have been filed against Ford?
As of 2017, at least 162 lawsuits had been filed against Ford alleging rollover and roof crush failures in F-250, F-350, or F-450 pickup trucks. Many cases have resulted in confidential settlements.
6. What types of injuries typically occur in Ford roof collapse cases?
Common injuries include spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, severe crush injuries, and death. Many victims are left with permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care.
7. How much compensation can I receive from a Ford roof lawsuit?
Compensation varies based on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other factors. The $1.7 billion punitive damage verdict in the Hill case demonstrates that juries may award substantial sums in these cases.
8. Is there a class action lawsuit for Ford roof defects?
Currently, most Ford roof lawsuits are being handled as individual cases rather than as class actions. However, the litigation continues to evolve as more cases are filed.
9. What is the deadline for filing a Ford roof lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 2-3 years from the date of injury or death. Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial to preserve your legal rights.
10. How can Schmidt & Clark, LLP help with my Ford roof lawsuit?
Schmidt & Clark, LLP’s experienced product liability attorneys can evaluate your case, gather necessary evidence, consult with medical and engineering experts, negotiate with Ford’s legal team, and if necessary, represent you at trial to secure fair compensation.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Ford Roof Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action against Ford for roof collapse injuries. Most states allow only 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, and this deadline may have already passed for older accidents.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or attorney fees
- Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
- Nationwide representation in all 50 states
Our experienced team of product liability attorneys has the resources and expertise to take on major corporations like Ford and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reference:
- https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/02/17/columbus-jury-renders-verdict-in-25-billion-lawsuit-against-ford-motor-company
- https://www.hbsslaw.com/press/ford-super-duty-roof-crush-risk/judge-denies-fords-motion-to-dismiss-class-action-lawsuit-involving-roof-crush-defect