(Charleston-AP) December 8, 2006 - A South Carolina judge has refused to order a new trial in a Ford rollover case in which a jury awarded the family of one of the passengers over $30 million.

In October a Hampton County jury said Ford Motor Company had to pay the family of Jesse Branham $31 million in damages.

The youth's family sued the automaker after the 12-year-old was thrown from a Ford Bronco in 2001, suffering extensive head injuries.

The accident happened when the driver of the vehicle veered off a paved road.

When the driver tried to correct, the Bronco rolled over.

Ford attorney Elbert Dorn of Columbia says he expects the automaker will appeal Judge Markley Dennis' decision.

Posted 1:34pm by Chantelle Janelle