Ford’s $2.5 Billion Verdict in Fatal Rollover Lawsuit

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

A Georgia jury has ordered Ford to pay $2.5 billion in punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit involving Debra and Herman Mills, who were killed in a rollover crash while driving a 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

Their three sons filed the lawsuit, arguing that Ford knew about the truck’s defective roof design but failed to address the issue, ultimately contributing to the fatal accident.

The jury found Ford 85% responsible for the crash, while Debra Mills was assigned 15% of the blame. As a result, U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land adjusted the compensatory damages Ford owed.

The Mills family received more than $30.5 million to cover funeral expenses and legal costs. There have been numerous other lawsuits and settlements related to this issue.

Reports indicate that at least 58 cases have been filed, involving around 38 deaths and various injuries allegedly resulting from weak roofs on Ford Super Duty Pickup Trucks.

2025 Trial Against Ford

On August 22, 2022, 64-year-old Debra Mills was driving a Ford Super Duty truck with her 74-year-old husband, Herman Mills, in the passenger seat.

While traveling at 55 mph, the vehicle drifted off the road after a right-hand curve. Debra lifted her foot off the accelerator but did not apply the brakes.

As the truck approached a telephone pole, she overcorrected, sending the vehicle airborne after striking a culvert. The crash caused the truck to flip, killing Debra instantly.

Herman survived for nine days before succumbing to his injuries in the hospital. Ford speculated that Debra may have suffered a medical emergency that contributed to the crash, but the family’s attorney, James E. Butler, argued otherwise.

He pointed out that first responders needed 26 minutes to extract Herman from the collapsed roof, emphasizing its structural failure as a key factor.

In the trial’s first phase, the jury determined that Ford was liable for the couple’s deaths and awarded compensatory damages.

In the second phase, they imposed punitive damages, concluding that Ford’s conduct warranted further financial penalties.

Butler contended that since 1999, Ford had been aware of the weak roof design in its Super Duty trucks, which left occupants vulnerable in rollovers, yet the company took no action.

“Ford has known for 26 years that its weak roofs have caused deaths and injuries, yet it ignored the risks and failed to warn the public,” Butler stated.

Ford pushed back against the $2.5 billion verdict, calling it excessive and unsupported by evidence. The company cited previous cases where juries ruled that its trucks were not defective.

Ford also downplayed the role of roof strength in rollovers, arguing that passengers often “dive” into the roof upon impact.

However, the plaintiffs presented evidence that Ford had lobbied the U.S. NHTSA to prevent stricter roof strength standards for heavy-duty trucks. Ford did not begin reinforcing Super Duty roofs until 2017.

The jury awarded $30.5 million in compensatory damages for funeral and legal costs, while punitive damages totaled $2.5 billion.

This verdict follows a $1.7 billion ruling against Ford in another wrongful death lawsuit involving a 2014 F-250 rollover caused by a tire blowout, which resulted in the deaths of Voncile and Melvin Hill.

Are there Recalls on the Ford Super Duty Roof?

Ford has not issued a recall specifically addressing roof strength concerns in Super Duty trucks produced between 1999 and 2016.

However, the company has been hit with multiple lawsuits alleging that these roofs are prone to failure in rollover crashes.

If you’re worried about your vehicle’s safety, you can check for recalls or safety notices by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA Recall Check website.

One of the main concerns with certain Ford Super Duty models from this period is their reported tendency to cave in during rollovers.

Lawsuits have argued that the roofs were too weak to protect occupants in such accidents, leading to severe injuries or deaths.

While Ford maintains that its trucks met all safety standards at the time of manufacturing, critics claim the designs failed to provide sufficient protection in real-world crashes.

The company has pushed back against these allegations, blaming factors like improper tire maintenance for some of the accidents.

Despite Ford’s defense, lawsuits continue to pile up, with major verdicts against the automaker—including a recent $2.5 billion ruling.

What’s Next for Ford?

A Ford spokesperson stated, “We sympathize with the family, but this verdict is unjustified and unsupported by evidence.”

The automaker also pointed out that juries in previous cases had found no defect in the roofs of its “Super Duty” trucks and vowed to challenge the ruling. “We will appeal,” Ford said. “Three other juries have been asked the same question and determined these trucks are not defective.”

This decision follows a similar case in Georgia, Hill v. Ford Motor Co., where the company was hit with $1.7 billion in punitive damages over another fatal roof collapse.

That case is also under appeal. If Ford’s latest challenge fails, it could open the door to more lawsuits targeting its vehicle safety.

What Should I do if I my Ford has this Roof Issue?

If you’re concerned about the roof strength of your vehicle, here are some important steps you can take:

1. Check for Recalls: Visit the NHTSA Recall Check website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for any recalls or safety notices related to your vehicle.
2. Consult a Professional: Have your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic or dealership. A professional can assess the condition of your roof and recommend any necessary repairs or reinforcements to ensure your safety.
3. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any news or updates regarding your vehicle’s safety. Legal cases and investigations can sometimes lead to new recalls or safety measures.
4. Consider Legal Advice: If you believe your vehicle has a significant safety defect, it may be worth consulting with a legal professional who specializes in lemon law or product liability cases. They can help you understand your rights and options, including potential remedies for defects or issues that affect your safety.

Taking these steps can help you address any concerns and ensure your vehicle is safe.

Repeat Roof Issues? Give the Lemon Law Experts a Call!

If you’re experiencing ongoing concerns with the roof strength in your Ford vehicle, especially regarding its ability to protect occupants during a rollover, you might have a valid lemon law claim.

Roof-related defects that compromise safety can lead to serious consequences, such as severe injuries or fatalities in the event of a rollover crash.

Repeated roof failures or weaknesses that affect the structural integrity of your Ford’s safety system could pose significant risks.

If you’re facing these issues, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled lemon law attorney to assess whether you have grounds for a claim.

Whether you’re seeking a replacement vehicle, a refund, or compensation for the defect, expert legal guidance can help you protect your rights.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in cases involving automotive defects, including roof strength issues.

Since 2009, we’ve been providing dedicated support to consumers, offering deep expertise in both state and federal lemon laws.

If you’re dealing with a roof defect or any other Ford vehicle safety issue, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.