Sears Ordered to Pay $10.2 Million in Death

Sears, Roebuck & Co. must pay $10.2 million to relatives of a man who died when a Firestone tire bought from the retailer failed and a sport utility vehicle flipped, a Texas state court jury decided.

The jury last week awarded $29 million in damages to the family of Terry Tripp, who was riding in a Chevrolet Blazer that rolled over in September 2000 after a Firestone Dueler APT-model tire failed. Jurors held Sears 35% responsible for the wreck and Bridgestone Corp.’s Firestone unit 65% responsible. Firestone already had settled with the family.

Shares of Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears fell $1.17 to $51.40 on the NYSE.