CHARLESTON — A Nicholas County couple is suing Fiat Chrysler, alleging fraudulent concealment and design defect.
Danny Willis and Linda Willis filed a complaint May 14 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Chrysler LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, FCA US LLC, Dutch Miller of Charleston, Inc. and Dutch Miller Chevrolet Inc., alleging the defendants offered an automobile that was not of merchantable quality or safe and for its intended use.
According to the complaint, on May 19, 2017, the Willises purchased a 2017 Ram 1500SLT pickup from the defendants. The suit says on Dec. 21, 2017, Danny Willis was knocked to the ground when his pickup truck purchased from defendants jumped out of gear and struck him after he parked his truck in his driveway.
Willis also alleges he was dragged several feet after grabbing the bumper of truck. Despite making extensive attempts to resolve the issues, the suit says, the vehicle continues to jump out of gear and move on its own.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to use reasonable standards in the testing of its manufactured and sold automobile so as to avoid unreasonable risk of harm to its occupants.
The Willises seek trial by jury, punitive damages, attorney fees, cost of proceedings, economic damages and all other relief the court deems just and proper. They are represented by Henry E. Wood of Wood Law Office LC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 18-C-643
