Iowa is part of a new multi-state settlement with the Firestone tire company. The settlement involves the allegedly defective tires that led to some 250 deaths. None of the deaths occurred in Iowa, but the Attorney General Tom Miller says Iowa is part of the settlement that totals 51-point-five million dollars.Iowa will get the standard 500-thousand paid to each state, 25-thousand dollars in attorneys fees, and three thousand dollars in costs incurred by the state. Miller calls this settlement is a penalty of sorts for the tire company, though the agreement technically does not call it a penalty.The settlement also allows Iowans who were turned down, to re-file claims with the tire company for compensation for replacement tires. Miller says as many as one thousand Iowans could be eligible to re-file. Miller says Firestone has already replaced some 65-thousand tires in Iowa.The company has already paid out about five-point-seven million dollars, and could pay out 130-thousand more to those who re-file claims. Miller says those who were initially denied claims for replacement tires will receive a letter informing them of the settlement. Miller says another multi-state lawsuit involving Firestone tires is still in progress against the Ford Motor Company.
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