Washington Jury Rejects Lawsuit Against Ford in Rollover

A lawsuit against Ford Motor Co. on behalf of a girl who was badly hurt in the rollover of a Bronco II has been rejected by a jury in Spokane, Wash.

The nine-member U.S. District Court jury rejected a $30 million claim brought by 13-year-old Crystal Bear. The panel ruled that her injuries were entirely the responsibility of the driver, her 16-year-old sister, Marla Bear.

The lawsuit was based on claims of poor handling, lack of stability and a defective rear seat belt system. It stems from a crash on Oct. 17, 1999, that left the younger girl with severe brain and physical injuries.