Volkswagen has been in the spotlight in recent weeks following the discovery of a “defeat device” present in the VW diesel cars. This device, which is illegal, allows the engine to release up to 40 times more pollution than is allowed by the EPA.
The car company’s market value has dropped more than $25 billion overall as public trust continues to dissipate. VW has issued a recall on 11 million cars internationally and has said that it will no longer be selling the 2015-2016 versions of the effected models.
Researchers from Harvard and MIT have published a study in Environmental Research Letters claiming 59 premature deaths in the U.S. alone can be attributed to the VW emissions scandal. If the ratio is accurate, that could mean as many as 1,300 deaths worldwide.
What Should I Do If I Own a VW?
Not all cars made under the VW umbrella are affected. With the exception of the 2009-2015 Audi A3, the only other cars affected are the diesel model Jetta, Passat, Golf, and Beetle made between 2009 and 2015. If your car is one of these listed above, take your car in to a local dealer for a repair.
Five VW car owners have already sued the car company, with many more likely to follow. The plaintiffs could be compensated for decreased value of their cars at least. Other car manufacturers have paid out millions in settlements for much less serious offenses.
McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, L.L.C. – Orlando product liability lawyers