Watch CBS News

Fiat Chrysler Loses Appeal In Georgia Jeep Fire Case

DETROIT (AP) - A Georgia court has rejected Fiat Chrysler's appeal of a $40 million award to a family whose child who died in a Jeep fire.

The Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled against the company.

Last year a jury awarded $150 million to the family of 4-year-old Remington Walden. He died in 2012 after a Jeep Grand Cherokee he was riding in was hit from behind and burst into flames. The gas tank was mounted behind the rear axle, leaving it vulnerable in a crash.

Decatur County Superior Court Judge J. Kevin Chason reduced the damages to $40 million.

The appeals court ruled against Fiat Chrysler's allegations that Chason abused his judicial discretion at the trial.

Fiat Chrysler says it is considering an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue