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Bellwether trial against GM dismissed

Posted on Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 at 1:57 pm    

The first case to be brought against automaker General Motors over the faulty ignition switch that caused serious injuries and numerous deaths has been dismissed. Oklahoma mailman Robert Scheuer began presenting his case before a Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, January 12, and the trial was dismissed just ten days later.

Scheuer claimed that the defect in his GM produced 2003 Saturn Ion caused injuries sustained during a wreck on May 28, 2014. According to his complaint, the back and neck injuries Scheuer suffered would not have happened had GM announced the recall when they first discovered the defective ignition switches nearly ten years prior.

After hearing his testimony, GM submitted a claim that Scheuer had exaggerated his injuries and failed to disclose a history of neck and back problems that extended far before the wreck occurred. Additionally, GM claimed that Scheuer and his wife misrepresented their financial standing in statements they gave during the trial.

On Friday, Scheuer agreed to voluntarily dismiss his lawsuit with prejudice. Though this trial is not expected to impact the other claims against GM, of which there are over 1,000, it is an obvious setback for litigators bringing claims against the auto manufacturer.

If you have suffered as a result of an auto defect, the legal team at the Sampson Law Firm will use our experience and skill to pursue your claim on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at (502) 584-5050.


Restraints control module defect prompts Ford recall

Posted on Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 at 9:51 am    

Ford Motor Co. will be recalling 850,050 model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, C-MAX, and Escape vehicles in North America because the restraints control module in these vehicles may prove defective and short circuit, thereby endangering drivers, a Ford press release stated on September 26.

When the restraints control module short circuits, the airbag warning indicator could turn on and the air bags may fail to deploy properly in the event of an accident. Other systems that access data from the restraints control module may also be affected by this short circuit, including vehicle stability control.

Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo assembly plant from Feb. 3, 2012 to Aug. 24, 2013 were affected, as well as the following: Lincoln MKZ vehicles built in Hermosillo from April 25, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013; C-MAX vehicles built in Michigan from Jan. 19, 2012 to Nov. 21, 2013 and Escape vehicles built in Louisville from Oct. 5, 2011 Nov. 1, 2013.

Our legal team at the Sampson Law Firm in Louisville believes that injuries resulting from the negligence of product manufacturers should be compensated, and we may be able to fight on your behalf for this restitution. Call our offices at (502) 584-5050 today to learn how we may put our experience to work for you.


Ford SUVs recalled for windshield air bubbles

Posted on Friday, August 22nd, 2014 at 12:46 pm    

Ford has issued a recall for 1,274 of its 2015 Lincoln MKC sport utility vehicles due to possible development of bubbles in the vehicles’ windshields, Edmunds reported on August 8.

According to the press statement released by Ford, complications in the windshield manufacturing process could be the reason for small pockets of air forming between layers of glass in the windshields. This trapped air, when exposed to high temperatures, can become bubbles. This auto defect becomes dangerous when driver visibility is impaired. Ford reported that to its knowledge, no injuries have been sustained from this problem.

If you have been injured in an accident as the result of a defective product, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from negligent manufacturers to cover the costs of damages. The attorneys at the Sampson Law Firm are experienced in the pursuit of funds for product liability accident victims, and may be able to help you. Discuss your situation with one of our Louisville attorneys by calling (502) 584-5050 today.


Ford Motors recalls some Escapes for potential defect

Posted on Friday, July 11th, 2014 at 10:43 am    

Ford Motor Co. has recently issued a recall for select Ford Escape vehicles due to a “potential issue with panorama roof glass,” in which the glass may not be securely fastened to the vehicles bracket.

Among the affected vehicles are certain 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured within the time period of October 15 to October 22, 2013 at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

Around 1,870 Ford Escape vehicles are in the United States, 140 are in Canada, and 115 vehicles are in Mexico as of June 23, 2014. Ford’s safety communications manager, Kelli Felker said an authorized recall repair can be conducted at a Ford dealership.

Any expenses related to car accidents that arise from automotive defects should be covered by the responsible manufacturer, not the accident victims. We, at the Sampson Law Firm in Louisville are ready to help you file a complaint if you experience this particular issue. Call our offices today at (502) 584-5050.


GM announces victim compensation

Posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 at 5:07 pm    

General Motors will pay as much as $1 million to every family of the 13 individuals killed as a result of their vehicles’ defective ignition switches, WDRB News reported on June 30.

Another $300,000 will be given to every single surviving spouse and dependent of the killed victim in addition to the initial amount.  On the same day this announcement was made, GM recalled another 7.6 million vehicles due to the same problem.

GM claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg said all claims seeking remunerations related to the defective ignition switch must be sent in by December 31 of this year.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident to the negligent actions of someone else, contact the experienced attorneys at the Sampson Law Firm. Our Louisville legal team will pursue those responsible for your car accident, be they negligent drivers on the road or manufacturers responsible for defective car parts. Call our offices today at (502) 584-5050.


GM creates compensation program for victims of defective ignition switches

Posted on Thursday, June 19th, 2014 at 11:15 am    

Michigan-based automaker General Motors Co. is jump-starting a program to pay back the victims that were badly affected by an ignition switch defect in many of GM’s small compact cars, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported on June 5.

The defect has been blamed for the deaths of at least 13 people. GM announced it will begin hearing claims on August 1, but the company did not discuss how much money would be given to the victims of their defective products.

Further details concerning the compensation program will be developed in the weeks to come by compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg, who was hired by GM in April. Feinberg previously handled the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund as well as funds for the Boston Marathon bombing and the BP oil spill.

Physical pain, emotional trauma, and costly medical expenses besiege the victims of personal injury accidents. At the Sampson Law Firm in Louisville, we take great pains to ensure just compensation for our clients. Get in touch with our attorneys today by dialing (502) 584-5050.