Justices Hand Ford a Loss in Case Over Accident Jurisdiction (1)

Montana and Minnesota courts had jurisdiction over Ford Motor Co. in suits stemming from vehicle crashes because its activities in those states were linked closely enough to the claims, even though the cars were sold in different states, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

“When a company like Ford serves a market for a product in a State and that product causes injury in the State to one of its residents, the State’s courts may entertain the resulting suit,” Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court, which was unanimous as to the result.

Ford has reach as a “global auto ...