Man Settles Suit With General Motors

Nov 17, 1996 | Mobile Register A Lowndes County man awarded $150 million by a jury in a lawsuit against General Motors agreed to a settlement, ending the automaker's attempt to get another trial.

The Lowndes County jury award was the largest ever returned against General Motors in a negligence lawsuit.

Hardy, 35, has been a paraplegic since his Chevrolet Blazer went out of control on U.S 80 in 1991. His lawsuit contended he was thrown out of the vehicle as a result of a faulty door latch.

GM lawyers said in the trial earlier this year that Hardy contributed to his own injuries by not wearing his seat belt. They also said he was thrown through a window and not out the door.

The car manufacturer also suggested that Hardy had been drinking alcohol prior to the wreck. Hardy said he had one beer before the accident.

GM was asking for a new trial.