Uvalde family sues Michelin over defective tire, rollover

GALVESTON � Arguing a defective tire caused their vehicle to roll over, a Uvalde County family is suing Michelin North America Inc. in Galveston County District Court.

The Isaac family's lawsuit claims the right rear tire on their 1997 Blue GMC Sierra pickup truck blew out while traveling east on Interstate 10 near Sealy on Aug. 10, 2007.

The truck subsequently tumbled, injuring everyone aboard.

In the vehicle were Uvalde residents Arvind Samuel Isaac and Rita Margarita Narvaez, their children Samuel Patricio Isaac and David Angel Isaac, and relative Lawrence Samuel Isaac.

The suit, filed May 26, accuses Michelin of putting the tire in question out in the market despite knowing it carried a potential hazard.

"The defendant placed into the chain of commerce a product that was unreasonably dangerous, either by manufacture, design, or marketing," the original petition says. "In this regard, the tire did not withstand normal and ordinary use when it failed.

"The defendant represented that the product was reasonably safe to be used as a tire."

It surmises the alleged failure was caused either by a manufacturing defect or design defect.

Both the elder Isaac and Narvaez claim the accident inflicted pain and suffering and mental anguish.

They add their injuries left them unable to go to work or perform simple household tasks.

The suit insists the children's injuries will negatively impact them for the rest of their lives.

Consequently, the Isaacs seek restitution to cover their medical expenses.

Friendswood attorney Alton C. Todd is representing the plaintiffs.

Galveston County 122nd District Court Judge John Ellisor is presiding over the case.

Case No. 09CV0794