header-logo header-logo

06 January 2012 / Roger Smith
Issue: 7495 / Categories: Opinion , Profession
printer mail-detail

If life gives you lemons...

Roger Smith gets the juice on lemon law, landmarks & lectures

A leading American lawyer, Vince Megna, has protested against fee-limiting arrangements introduced in Wisconsin by refusing to act for any Republicans, the state’s majority party.

Megna is a familiar figure in the US profession, widely known as the “lemon law” king. Lemon law, as he helpfully explains on his website, is “the body of law that offers protection to owners of motor vehicles with recurring mechanical or other problems that are not resolved within a reasonable time by the dealer or manufacturer”. Megna has used the previously welcome provisions of Wisconsin jurisdiction to some effect. He obtained $385,000 from DaimlerChrysler for a defective Dodge Viper, $482,000 from Mercedes-Benz for a dud E class, and proudly claims to have got the better of General Motors over 700 times without a single loss.

The key to judgments of such magnitude is to persuade the court to apply a multiplier to damages. Mercedes paid about eight times the value of the car in question.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as Head of Independent Health and Care

DWF—five appointments

DWF—five appointments

DWF further strengthens major injury and casualty offering with new partner and four directors from DAC Beachcroft

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis strengthens Grimsby child care team

NEWS
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
Arbitration may be private, but its confidentiality is no impenetrable shield. Writing in NLJ this week, James Glaysher of Kingsley Napley examines when courts will permit arbitral material to surface in open litigation
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’

Safety fears do not automatically justify shutting an interested person out of a statutory will application

back-to-top-scroll