Florida: Flames shot out of vehicle's dashboard air vent allegedly due to negligent repairs
By: Counsel Financial
Plaintiff, a 31-year-old Navy Petty Officer, had his car repaired following a one-car collision. Months later while driving, plaintiff smelled an acrid smell and noted that it stopped when he turned off the vehicle's air conditioning. Plaintiff resumed driving with the air conditioning on, when flames began shooting out of the dashboard air vents. Plaintiff was burned but was able to escape through the window. Plaintiff sued the vehicle repair garage, alleging negligent repair. Plaintiff alleged that the wiring in the vehicle was not replaced properly, which caused excess heat and then the electrical fire that burned plaintiff. Furthermore, plaintiff alleged that the repairs took longer than estimated, and person running the shop had no mechanical experience. Defense counsel contended that plaintiff could not pinpoint the cause of the fire, and that the only electrical work done to the vehicle was to the door, not the dashboard where the flames were.
VERDICT: $2,155,921. (The verdict apportioned 90% liability against the vehicle repair garage, and 10% against plaintiff, thus reducing the award to $1,940,329.)
Aaron Jenkins v. Key Buick Company, d/b/a Key Buick Hyundai (Nassau County, Florida, Case no. 10-54-CA).
