Legal Question in Consumer Law in Ohio

car gets abducted by dishonest shop employee

I dropped off my car for repairs. While there,an employee drives off without permission from shop and gets into an accident and damages my car. Besides holding shop liable to fix apparent damage, what about unapparent damage? While this employee was joy riding in my car, how was car driven? Did he take it drag racing? Who knows? What happens in 6 months when I find I need a new head gasket and ring job? What recourse will I have then? Can I seek punitive damages? What is considered fair and just? How do I protect myself from future potential problems that have been caused by this incident? The car is year old with 23,000 miles


Asked on 12/26/02, 11:34 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Stephen Daray Sciangula & Daray

Re: car gets abducted by dishonest shop employee

Before settling up with the repair shop, take the car elsewhere for a full inspection. Use that inspection to get all the repairs done correctly. You probably would not get punitive damages and any settlement with the shop will probably preclude you from coming back at a later time.

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Answered on 12/26/02, 11:49 am
Joseph Burke Law Office of Joseph T. Burke

Re: car gets abducted by dishonest shop employee

Have your vehicle inspected by a reliable repair shop, if there are problems with the vehicle they will be present. Regardless of the actual claim you bring i.e. conversion, negligence, etc., your damages will be based on damage to the car and your out of pocket expenses. The recovery for pain and suffering is tenuous.

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Answered on 12/26/02, 2:40 pm


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