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There are several different problems with Cooper tires that have been alleged in recent years. Problems with Cooper tires that stem from design or manufacturing defects can cause serious injury in auto accidents. In the last six years, at least thirty five deaths have been caused by problems with Cooper tires that lead to tread separation. Tread separation problems with Cooper tires can cause total tire blowout which leads to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover injuries.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Company was established in 1914. This company currently operates in thirteen companies and employs over 23,000 workers. Each year Cooper manufactures approximately forty million tires and enjoys annual sales revenues that total above two billion dollars.
Problems with Cooper tires made national news after company employees made statements about Cooper tire production practices in the summer of 2000. These employees accused Cooper tires of negligent manufacturing procedures resulting in the production of thousands of potentially unsafe tires. These employees made these statements as they testified in lawsuits where people had died as a result of problems with Cooper tires.
There are a number of problems with Cooper tires that were cited in these statements. Former employees testified that negligent manufacturing techniques were common practice, and at times even compulsory, in their respective Cooper tire plants. Testimony described how employees were ordered to use outdated rubber, or bad stock, in the manufacturing of Cooper tires. Problems with Cooper tires can arise because of bad stock use, because these rubber can be dried out and unable to adequately hold tires together on the road.
Problems with Cooper tires can also be linked to the widespread improper application of solvents during the tire production process. Employees also testified during these proceedings that foreign objects, including time cards and chicken bones, were mistakenly baked into tires during production. Workers were also allegedly ordered to pop blisters in the tire rubber that were up to eight inches in length instead of discarding them as scrap. Blister popping can compromise the integrity of the tire''s inner lining which can lead to serious problems with Cooper tires.
Problems with Cooper tires have prompted a series of recalls and lawsuits filed by the victims of faulty tire design and manufacturing. Because of problems with Cooper tires, at least 15 types of tires have been recalled. There was also a class action lawsuit involving 40 million consumers that cited problems with Cooper tires manufactured between 1985 and 2002. The class action settlement awarded plaintiffs some benefits such as extended tire warrantees and free replacement tires, but offered nothing which would truly protect the public from the serious problems with Cooper tires. If you have suffered injury in an accident which might have been the result of problems with Cooper tires, you may wish to speak to a qualified legal expert who can evaluate your case.
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