Law Firm, Hagens Berman, Warns Tesla Owners: Don’t Sign Goodwill Agreements, Forfeit Your Rights
June 20 2016 - 11:15AM
Business Wire
Consumer-rights law firm investigating
agreement language on behalf of Tesla Model S owners
Consumer-rights law firm Hagens Berman is investigating a
“goodwill” agreement from Tesla that purportedly requires Tesla
owners to remain silent about vehicle repairs and defects and to
sign a complete waiver of any claims against Tesla in exchange for
repair costs.
“In today’s world, companies are chomping at the bit to trick
consumers into signing away their rights, with arbitration language
buried in the fine print,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of
Hagens Berman. “We think Tesla’s skirting a very dangerous area,
and are seeking more information from vehicle owners who have been
forced to sign these so-called ‘goodwill’ agreements.”
According to recent news, Tesla Model S vehicles may be affected
by a dangerous suspension defect that can cause it to fail at low
speeds. Tesla owners have reported unusually rusty suspension
joints.
Tesla owners are reporting that the automaker has asked owners
to sign non-disclosure agreements, or “Goodwill letters” as it
calls them, in exchange for cost to repair the defect. Under these
agreements, Tesla owners also waive their right to discuss the
defect. As a consumer, your rights could be in jeopardy, according
to Hagens Berman.
“What we’re hearing from Tesla owners is outrageous,” Berman
added. “Unfortunately, Tesla isn’t the first automaker to try this.
Both Toyota and GM have bought back defective cars and entered gag
agreements with owners of the vehicles, effectively trying to erase
any evidence. We want to put consumers back in the driver’s
seat.”
Tesla’s Goodwill agreement, in part, reads, “You agree to keep
confidential our provision of the Goodwill, the terms of this
agreement and the incidents or claims leading or related to our
provision of the Goodwill. In accepting the Goodwill, you hereby
release and discharge Tesla and related persons or entities from
any and all claims or damages arising out of or in any way
connected with any claims or incidents leading or related to our
provision of the Goodwill.
“You further agree that you will not commence, participate or
voluntarily aid in any action at law or in equity or any legal
proceeding against Tesla or related persons or entities based upon
facts related to the claims or incidents leading to or related to
this Goodwill.”
Hagens Berman is one of the most experienced auto litigation law
firms in the U.S. and has successfully taken on Toyota, Hyundai,
Kia and other automakers for consumers. The law firm is also
leading national charges against Volkswagen and Mercedes for the
use of emissions-cheating software, and your claim will be handled
by experts in automotive consumer law.
Find out more about Hagens Berman’s investigation into Tesla’s
Goodwill agreements.
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights
class-action law firm with offices in 10 cities. The firm has been
named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight
times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found
at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news
at @ClassActionLaw.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160620005190/en/
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLPAshley Klann,
206-268-9363ashleyk@hbsslaw.com
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