Chalmette, Louisiana, April 9, 2008 – Scott Nealey,
Bruce S. Kingsdorf, Dawn Barrios, and Van Robichaux, counsel for Juli
and August Guillot, announce that a Louisiana-state jury in St. Bernard
Parish yesterday found DaimlerChrysler liable for the death of the Guillot’s
child, Collin Guillot, and injuries to Juli, August, and their then 3
year old daughter Madison. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of $5,080,000
in compensatory damages. With pre-judgment interest the verdict is over
$7,200,000. The jury found that a defect in the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s
transmission, called a park-to-reverse defect, played a substantial factor
in Collin Guillot’s death and the severe injuries suffered by Mr. and
Mrs. Guillot and their daughter.
On May 21, 1999, Mr. and Mrs. Guillot and Madison got into the family
vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, to drive them to the hospital for the
delivery of the couple’s second child. The Guillots were in the front
seat when Mrs. Guillot exited the SUV to assist her young daughter
in the back seat. Moments later, Mr. Guillot got out of the vehicle
to retrieve his cell phone in the back of the SUV.
Several seconds after he exited the SUV, and while he was next to the
rear wheel, it moved in powered reverse. Ms. Guillot was pinned between
the open rear door of the SUV and a brick carport column and severely
injured. In a horrific and tragic injury, the force of the impact ruptured
her uterus, and forced Collin into her abdominal cavity. Collin was delivered
by emergency cesarean section but suffered extensive brain damage for
lack of blood and oxygen caused by the crushing injury. He died 17 days
later in his parents’ arms after being taken from life support.
Mr. Guillot initially believed that he left the Jeep Grand Cherokee
in reverse prior to exiting it because he was unable to think of an alternative
explanation. He was investigated for criminal negligence by the local
sheriff’s office. At the time that Mr. Guillot was racked with guilt
and grieving the loss of his son, Chrysler was aware of the incident
and sent an investigator to gather information. Chrysler never informed
the Guillots or law enforcement authorities that the vehicle had a defect
in its transmission that could have caused the tragic accident.
Only when a Los Angeles Times reporter contacted the Guillots
more than two years after the accident did they learn of the park to
reverse defect in the transmission of Chrysler vehicles and realized
they were not responsible for the death of their son.
"We suffered the worst loss any parent can experience," stated
Mr. and Mrs. Guillot. "When we learned that Chrysler knew for years
that its vehicles had a defective transmission, we were outraged and
determined to hold the corporation accountable. We thank the jury for
its careful review of the evidence and verdict against DaimlerChrysler.
We also appreciate the Judge who made us feel so comfortable in the legal
environment."
"The undisputed evidence showed that Colin Guillot died because
DaimlerChrysler ignored a known defect in its vehicle. It denied hundreds
of complaints before the Guillot’s tragedy occurred, jeopardizing the
safety of its customers," commented attorney Scott
P. Nealey of
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. "Had DaimlerChrysler
dealt with the defect many years ago when customers first complained
about park-to-reverse problems, Colin would be alive today. That Chrysler
had over 200 complaints of park to reverse accident on Grand Cherokees
before this tragic accident, and did nothing to fix the vehicle is inexcusable."
Plaintiffs’ co-counsel Bruce S. Kingsdorf of Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix,
LLP, stated, "The devastation suffered by this family was horrific,
and stood out even in a Parrish which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
We all thank the Jury for their time and for setting this family free
from the guilt and consequences of this horrible accident." To learn
more about the park-to-reverse defect and which Chrysler vehicles contain
it, please visit www.usautoinjurylaw.com. |
