Louisiana residents who own a Ford Escape may be interested in an investigative report that explores Ford's actions after the deaths of at least three drivers of that particular vehicle. The report alleges that Ford failed to acknowledge an auto part defect even after settling two wrongful death lawsuits. In fact, it is believed Ford didn't make a public statement about the potential of an issue until several years later after a 17-year-old girl died in a crash apparently caused by the vehicle's acceleration system.

It wasn't until 2012 that Ford publicly acknowledged the discovery of an auto part defect in their 2001-2004 Escape models. However, it wasn't until the government opened up an investigation that Ford issued a major recall. Over half a million Escapes were recalled, citing issues with the acceleration system within their vehicle. Accidents and deaths occurred after the vehicle would suddenly accelerate out of control.

Inspectors noticed the same defect during inspections of the fatal accident vehicles: a major problem with a plastic cover for the speed control cable that led the cable to stick under the engine cover, thereby forcing the throttle open and causing the vehicle to accelerate at high rates of speed. Ford acknowledges receiving some 'anecdotal knowledge" from dealers about the problem. However, they assert that they did not know the problem could lead to the throttles becoming stuck, in turn leading to the acceleration problem.

Louisiana residents have the right to purchase a vehicle without an auto part defect. Owners of the Ford Escape who have been in an accident may have the right to pursue legal action against the manufacturer of the vehicle. Proof of negligence could result in a civil judgment against the company and a monetary award of damages which could help pay for any medical bills received and potentially pain and suffering.

Source: ABC15.com, "Years of lawsuits and complaints raise new questions about Ford Escape recall," Joe Ducey and Lauren Gilger, Aug. 26, 2012