P.M. BRIEFING : $7.5 Million in Seat-Belt Case

Toyota Motor Corp. has been ordered by a federal court jury to pay $7.5 million to a Bloomfield Hills couple for faulty seat belts in a 4Runner sport-utility vehicle.

Toyota spokeswoman Mindy Geller said the company was shocked at the size of the award granted late Monday and plans to appeal. The U.S. District Court jury awarded $6 million to Cliff Sadlier and $1.5 million to his wife, Joanne.

The Sadliers’ lawsuit claimed that the seat belt failed when the 4Runner crashed into a tree Feb. 9, 1988. Sadlier, who was alone in the vehicle, said he was going 25 m.p.h.; Toyota’s expert testified he was going 40 m.p.h.

Sadlier said his head went through the windshield and his body hit the dashboard after the seat belt failed. He said he must now rely on a wheelchair although he can walk short distances with crutches and braces.

Sadlier’s attorneys alleged that the Toyota seat belt lacked a device to take up slack in the belt. Toyota’s lawyers said the seat belt met federal specifications.