Dinsmore Helps Secure Appellate Victory for Hyundai in Tragic Product Liability Case

The Kentucky Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed a defense verdict in favor of Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd. (“Hyundai”) in a product liability crashworthiness case involving deeply tragic circumstances. The case involved a high-speed, head-on collision in December 2015 that claimed the lives of three family members. The crash occurred when an impaired driver crossed the center line and collided with the family’s vehicle, a Hyundai Tucson.

At trial in 2022, plaintiffs alleged that the Tucson contained a manufacturing defect that contributed to the fatalities. After hearing the evidence, the jury deliberated for just one and a half hours before unanimously finding that the vehicle was not defective. The Kentucky Court of Appeals has now affirmed that verdict.

Dinsmore attorneys David Schaefer and Jeremy Rogers, who served as co-counsel to Hyundai in the trial and appellate proceedings, emphasized the importance of a thorough and fact-based defense.

“We are pleased that the Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the trial court's defense verdict,” David said. “This outcome is a testament to Hyundai’s dedication to building safe and reliable vehicles, and to our team’s effective representation.”

David and Jeremy would also like to recognize attorneys Chris Jackson and Madison Stewart, as well as paralegal Lori McCloud, for their tremendous support and contributions to this win.