Dallas County Jury Awards $42 Million in Auto Repair Negligence

On December 21, 2013, a driver and passenger were involved in a collision on US 281 in Burnet County, Texas, when their 2010 Honda Fit was struck by another vehicle. The plaintiffs, who had purchased the used vehicle four months prior, sustained orthopedic injuries and burns after their vehicle caught fire. They later discovered the vehicle had undergone undisclosed repairs and body work by the defendant.

The plaintiffs filed suit in District Court of Dallas County, alleging negligence against the auto maintenance company. They claimed the defendant failed to disclose prior repairs, made dangerous and illegal modifications to the vehicle, and was negligent in its installations, repairs, and supervision of employees. The plaintiffs contended these negligent repairs resulted in structural failures, contributing to their orthopedic injuries and the vehicle fire.

At trial, the plaintiffs argued the defendant's alterations compromised the vehicle's structural and fuel system crash protection. They specifically cited a defectively attached roof, lacking welds, and a failed door beam that allowed fire into the occupant compartment. The defendant admitted under oath that a body shop is responsible if repairs not meeting manufacturer specifications lead to serious injury or death, and acknowledged their repairs to the plaintiffs' vehicle did not meet these specifications.

The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding $42 million in damages. The outcome occurred following the defendant's admissions regarding responsibility and its failure to adhere to manufacturer repair specifications.