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It seems that “Dieselgate” continues to get worse for beleaguered automaker Volkswagen. The company has already reached settlement agreements with the U.S. government, but individual states are now suing the auto manufacturer.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan brought forth a lawsuit claiming that Volkswagen violated the state’s pollution protection laws. The state, along with 11 others who have entered similar lawsuits, wants the automaker to pay some damages.
Ever since it came out last year that some 500,000 vehicles were equipped with emissions-cheating software, the company has had its focus on appeasing disgruntled auto owners, settling with consumer fraud regulators and appeasing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Moving into the next chapter of the saga, Volkswagen now must contend with lawsuits from states that say the vehicles polluted the air of their communities.
In the Illinois lawsuit, the allegation is that Volkswagen violated the state pollution control board’s regulations by installing the defeat software. Tampering with the pollution control devices in an automobile violates the state’s clean air regulations.
An estimated 19,000 affected vehicles are in Illinois.
Instead of duking it out in court with these states, the automaker could enter into a settlement, which could morph into one large lawsuit.
Volkswagen has already agreed to pay about $10 billion in consumer restitution and repurchasing tainted cars. In addition, they have poured $2.7 billion into an EPA fund.
If you have been affected by the Dieselgate scandal by owning or leasing an affected vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the “Strong Arm” attorneys at the law offices of John Foy & Associates. We may be able to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today.
