Recently appointed by Volkswagen (VW) to handle victim compensation claims, Kenneth Feinberg, a well-known compensation attorney, will create a resolution program to address lawsuits stemming from the VW emissions scandal.
VW’s decision to appoint Feinberg comes as no surprise to many individuals, as he has been the attorney of choice for many class action lawsuits and large-scale compensation plans.
Feinberg was formerly hired by General Motors to handle the automakers faulty ignition switch lawsuits. He was also in charge of the spill compensation program for BP Oil, as well as the 9/11 terrorist victim compensation plan.
What Is Currently Known About The Resolution Program
With input from VW owners and their lawyers, Feinberg is putting together a program to help the auto manufacturer make amends with its customers.
The program will address nearly 500,000 lawsuits pertaining to vehicles with two-liter diesel engines, and it will address another estimated 85,000 lawsuits regarding cars with three-liter diesel engines.
While no official compensation timeline has been unveiled, a preliminary draft of the program is anticipated soon, according to a member of Feinberg’s firm. Environmental regulators, Audi and Volkswagen officials are currently scheduled to meet and discuss the program, as well as related vehicle fixes.
It is still too early to determine what the compensation program will provide for owners of VW vehicles with deceptive emissions software, but Feinberg has said he intends on including different options for all car owners.
In the meantime, VW owners are left to wonder if the company will buy back vehicles with illegal software, and whether the possible emission fixes will impact vehicle performance. Different makes and models of diesel-powered Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi vehicles have been affected by the emissions scandal.
Volkswagen has admitted to manufacturing vehicles with deceptive software intended to dupe U.S. emissions tests. The auto manufacturing company says it is cooperating with all ongoing investigations.
If you have suffered due to a defective product, such as a Volkswagen vehicle with emissions cheating software, contact a skilled personal injury attorney at O’Connor, Acciani and Levy and schedule your free consultation today.