In the Cooper Tire case, the firm of Lambert and Nelson acted as co-lead counsel with primary responsibility for the liability aspects and causation issues in the case. The firm developed evidence in support of the contention that the manufacturing process of Cooper Tires resulted in trapped gases in the tire structure (matrix) which over time could lead to catastrophic tread separation and failure. In the discovery phase of the trial, the firm hired a small army of experts from around the country and from Canada who set up a temporary inspection facility in East Camden, Arkansas. That effort resulted in the inspection of literally thousands of failed and/or defective tires which formed the factual basis for proof regarding the claim. That inspection process, which lasted for weeks, as well as specialized testing utilizing state-of-the-art inspection procedures and/or equipment in the form of the L-Ray process,(where a tire is inspected by laser tomography in a vacuum) as well as the development of proof regarding production process issues, was instrumental in the resolution of the claim. The firm of Lambert and Nelson had ultimate responsibility for the liability issues which supported the resolution of the Cooper Tire matter. (Opinion and Order Approving Settlement (9/13/02) p. 74. “In this case, the parties are represented by highly experienced and competent counsel.”)
The tire inspection process conducted on the site of stored failed/defective tires
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