Public Citizen files objections to Cooper settlement

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Jan. 16)—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s proposed settlement of 32 class-action lawsuits "is not fair to owners of Cooper tires because it does little to ensure that these tires are safe and provides no meaningful remedy for those owners whose tires are defective," according to Public Citizen. The consumer watchdog group filed objections to the settlement in the Superior Court of New Jersey, claiming the document is "designed to benefit Cooper Tire more than the class." The proposed $30 million in attorneys' fees likewise is "grossly out of proportion to the meager remedy that would be afforded members of the class," Public Citizen said. Officials of Cooper Tire and plaintiffs' attorneys involved in the settlement could not be reached for comment.