Polaris RZR 1000 Fuel System Malfunction Results in Burn Injuries – John Doe v. Polaris

CASE:

CONFIDENTIAL v. Polaris

DATE OF SETTLEMENT:

4/10/17

AMOUNT OF SETTLEMENT:

$8,950,000.00

FULL OR PARTIAL:

Full

GROSS OR NET SETTLEMENT:

Gross

LIENS INVOLVED:

Kaiser (Rawlings)

MINOR PLAINTIFFS/CONSERVATORSHIP INVOLVED:

Yes

ATTORNEY FEE PERCENTAGE:

33 1/3 %

REFERRING ATTORNEY FEE:

John Adams – 45%

NET SETTLEMENT TO CLIENT:

ESTIMATED TOTAL COSTS:

Approximately 75,000 (plus final billing from experts and vendors, if any)

EXPECTED DISBURSEMENT DATE:

90 days

CONFIDENTIAL:

Unknown but likely YES

On November 30, 2013, at approximately 11:45 a.m., 13 year-old Plaintiff was severely burned while riding as a backseat passenger in a brand new Polaris RZR 1000 (pronounced “Razor”) which caught fire during normal operation. Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by a fuel system malfunction which resulted in an engine fire that engulfed the passenger area in a matter of seconds. Plaintiff only survived the fire due to the heroic efforts of others in their traveling group who were trained fire responders.

As a result of the poorly designed Polaris vehicle, Plaintiff sustained severe burn injuries to forty-five percent (45%) of his body, covering his face, back of head, back, arms, hands, chest, hips legs and buttocks, and scarring to his lungs due to smoke inhalation. During the months of extended hospital stay, Plaintiff endured several major surgeries, followed by several more months of rehabilitation. While Plaintiff has recovered from these injuries to a certain extent, he still must undergo periodic scar contraction surgeries as he continues to grow. Plaintiff struggles with pain and irritation and a host of continuing physical deficits that will forever prevent him from participating in normal daily activities.