Litigators Lead DaimlerChrysler to Significant Victory in Texas Supreme Court

February 19, 2008

AUSTIN (February 19, 2008) – After eight years of litigation, a team of attorneys from Bracewell & Giuliani LLP emerged victorious as they defended DaimlerChrysler in a nationwide products liability class action suit brought by owners and lessees of DaimlerChrysler vehicles. Austin-based trial partner Roberta J. Hegland served as Lead Texas Trial Counsel for DaimlerChrysler.

The plaintiffs sought $745 billion in damages against the corporation, alleging that the seatbelt buckles found in DaimlerChrysler models from the years 1993-2002 had a design defect that rendered them unreasonably dangerous and ineffective.  Specifically, plaintiffs claimed that the seatbelts were easily subject to accidental release and therefore demonstrated negligence in design.

On Feb. 1, 2008, the Texas Supreme Court dismissed the case, holding that the possibility of concrete injury to plaintiffs was extremely remote, and thus, they lacked standing to bring the class action. During the discovery phase of the trial, Ms. Hegland’s team learned that the plaintiffs had either never experienced anything like what they claimed might happen, or were uncertain as to whether they had, but ultimately none of the plaintiffs had been injured due to defective seatbelt buckles.

"We are grateful that the Court carefully examined the allegations in this case and reaffirmed Texas law on this issue," said Ms. Hegland. “We’ve devoted countless hours and resources to resolve this case for our client and are thrilled that the Court dismissed these meritless claims.”

Based in the firm’s Austin office, Ms. Hegland is a member of the firm’s trial group and defends business and corporate clients against class action litigation involving products liability or similar claims.