Attorney General Mark Barnett Advises Consumers To Watch Their Mail for Restitution Information Regarding the Bridgestone/Firestone Settlement 

(Pierre) – South Dakota Attorney General Mark Barnett wants to remind consumers that Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is mailing out notices to consumers nationwide.  The notices are in regards to the $51.5 million settlement with Bridgestone/Firestone over some allegedly defective tires, misrepresentations it made during the tire replacement process, and the promotion of the allegedly defective tires.

“South Dakota consumers now have the opportunity to collect reimbursement, but it is important that they make their request in a timely manner,” commented Barnett.

On January 7, the first round of notices were sent to approximately 30,000 consumers nationwide who requested reimbursement under Bridgestone/Firestone’s Voluntary Safety Tire Recall Reimbursement Program or Customer Satisfaction Program.  Consumers who received no reimbursement will receive a letter from the Attorneys General along with a reconsideration form.  To have your request  reconsidered you must return the form by March 11, 2002.   The form should be addressed to: 

State Attorneys General Multistate Working Group
Attn: Bridgestone/Firestone Settlement
Post Office Box 5155
Des Plaines, IL 60019-9971  

Consumers will also receive a list of contacts for any questions they have about the settlement.

Later this month, an additional 100,000 notices will be sent to consumers nationwide who received a partial denial from Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Again, consumers will have a 60 day period to return the reconsideration forms to Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. 

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