Wendell Keetch and the family and estate of Bettie Nelson and are suing
Chrysler Group, LLC for Texas auto products liability and wrongful death.
Nelson, 80, died last February when a 2006 Dodge Durango crashed into
the home of Keetch, who sustained life-threatening injuries.
According to police, the SUV, which was driven by Fidel Flores, ran a
stop sign and rammed through a brick wall before striking Keetch’s
home. Per the plaintiffs, they believe “unintended acceleration”
caused the Texas auto defect accident. They contend that the automaker
either knew or should have known that the Dodge Durango had an auto defect
that made it a dangerous vehicle.
Alleged auto defects include a poor fault detection system that could
not anticipated unintended acceleration, electromagnetic interference,
and short circuiting, defective electronic systems and parts that were
at risk of malfunctioning, and lack of a brake override/fail-safe device
to stop/prevent sudden acceleration (even though other manufacturers had
used an alternate design that could do this). The plaintiffs believe that
Chrysler was negligent in the manufacture, design, sale, and marketing
of the 2006 Durango and that this negligence was a proximate cause of
the deadly Texas accident. Negligence allegedly included failure to properly
test the vehicle and failure to do enough to protect users and vehicle
occupants. The surviving family members and Keetch say that Chrysler either
knew or should have known that the vehicle was defective.
The Texas defective auto part lawsuit seeks damages for Nelson’s
terror, mental anguish, and physical pain prior to her death, as well
as burial and funeral costs. Damages are also being sought on behalf of
Janith Glazner, who is Nelson’s daughter. Glazner is claiming loss
of companionship, consortium, and inheritance, and mental anguish. Her
brother, James Richard Nelson, is seeking similar damages. Keetch, who
sustained permanent and severe injuries is seeking damages for future
and past necessary and reasonable medical bills, his physical impairments
and mental pain, and the diminishment of his ability to enjoy life.
Meantime, the authorities recently said that they would not charge Flores,
because there was not enough evidence indicating whether the driver or
an auto defect caused the deadly crash. He, too, also died from the injuries
he sustained in the car accident.
When seeking damages for auto products liability against a car manufacturer,
you want to work with an auto defects law firm that has the experience,
resources, and knowledge to successfully pursue your recovery. Going up
against an automaker can be tough and you want to make sure that you retain
someone that won’t be intimidated by this fact and has a record
of success.
Read the Complaint (PDF)
More Blog Posts:
Parents File Texas Auto Products Liability Lawsuit Against General Motors
Over Teenager’s SUV Rollover Injuries, Product Liability Law Blog,
September 7, 2011
Texas Playground Accident Lawsuit Seeks Damages from McDonald’s
Chain Owners, Product Liability Law Blog, July 29, 2011
Texas Auto Products Liability: Air Bag Defect Lawsuit Seeks Damages from
GM, Product Liability Law Blog, May 10, 2011
