Frozen power steering allegedly leads to two accidents, product liability lawsuit

GRETNA – A local car dealer and an international car manufacturer are being sued by a customer who claims a product defect in a vehicle he purchase from them resulted in two accidents.

Christopher M. Schwartz filed suit against Bryan Chevrolet Inc., General Motors Corporation and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 10.

Schwartz alleges the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu he bought from Bryan Chevrolet Inc. has a product defect in its power steering system that resulted in him being involved in two collisions. The plaintiff claims that on Aug. 5, 2012 he was driving the car on a local interstate when the power steering froze and the vehicle drifted off the road and sustained minor bumper damage. After the incident Schwartz asserts he took the vehicle back to Bryan Chevrolet Inc. who told them they had repaired the steering problem. However, on Oct. 10 he was driving on a street in New Orleans when the power steering froze again and the vehicle drifted into another car.

The defendant is accused of unreasonably dangerous construction, unreasonably dangerous design, inadequate warning, failing to provide adequate warning and not conforming to an express warning.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life and property damage to vehicle.

Schwartz is represented by David J. Mitchell of New Orleans-based Law Offices of Frank J. D’Amico APLC.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 731-876.