Record Settlement Announced in VW Emissions Scandal

In a precedent setting case with potential ramifications for both consumers and the environment, Volkswagen announced today it will pay nearly $15 billion to settle diesel claims in the U.S. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/28/business/volkswagen-settlement-diesel-scandal.html

The proposed settlement was filed in the Northern District of California as part of the Multidistrict Litigation – if approved by the Court, this will be the largest consumer auto industry class action settlement in U.S. history.

The settlement money would go to the hundreds of thousands of U.S. owners of 2.0-liter TDI-powered vehicles—model-year 2009 through 2015 Jettas, Passats, Golfs and Beetles, as well as the TDI-powered Audi. A3. http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a29743/vw-tdi-emissions-settlement-cost-update/

CaseyGerry partner David S. Casey Jr. is the only San Diego attorney serving on the national Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee overseeing the litigation targeting VW. Read More.

According to Casey Jr., “Nearly 500,000 Audi and VW owners have been adversely impacted by the VW emissions scandal, and we are happy to report we have been able to resolve this fairly and efficiently,” Casey Jr. said. “This is a record-breaking settlement in terms of its size and scope – and just how quickly it was resolved,” he  added.  “The settlement also reflects unprecedented cooperation between government entities and class action counsel. Most importantly, it is a win win for consumers and the environment. We will be able to remove the polluting vehicles from the roadways, as well as expeditiously and fairly compensate thousands of consumers in the class action.”

Following a rigorous vetting process, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer appointed the 22-member nationwide steering committee – headed by San Francisco based attorney Elizabeth Cabraser – to oversee the class action lawsuits filed on behalf of car owners, dealers, lessees and others. Read More.

Class members can visit www.VWCourtSettlement.com to learn if they have an eligible vehicle. If the Court grants preliminary approval on July 26, this site will then include a secure settlement look-up tool where consumers can enter their vehicle’s VIN number to learn their compensation amount. When and if the Court grants final approval, the claims process will open to eligible Volkswagen and Audi 2.0 liter owners and lessees without delays on appeal. Additional information can also be found on the Court’s website: http://www.cand.uscourts.gov/crb/vwmdl.