In a gripping legal battle that underscores the importance of vehicle safety, a Florida resident has taken legal action against two major automotive entities. John Freudberg filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on September 23, 2024, targeting Kia America, Inc., and Napleton North Palm Motors, LLC. The lawsuit seeks to address alleged negligence and strict liability related to a defective vehicle that resulted in serious injuries.
The plaintiff, John Freudberg, accuses Kia America, Inc., a California corporation with significant business operations in Florida, and Napleton North Palm Motors, LLC (also known as Napleton Northlake Kia), a Florida-based dealership, of selling him a defective 2024 Kia Carnival. According to the complaint, Freudberg was given this vehicle as a replacement for another defective model he had purchased from Napleton. On January 1, 2024, while driving near Donald Ross Road and I-95 in Palm Beach County, Freudberg experienced brake failure that led to a collision with a tree. This incident resulted in severe spinal injuries among other physical damages.
Freudberg's lawsuit is built on several counts including negligence and strict liability against both defendants. He claims that both Kia and Napleton failed to design and manufacture the vehicle safely. "Defendant KIA negligently manufactured and/or designed the subject Vehicle operated by Plaintiff," states one section of the complaint. It further alleges that the brakes were defectively designed and prone to failure under normal driving conditions. The plaintiff also accuses both companies of failing to provide adequate warnings about potential brake failures.
Freudberg seeks judgment exceeding $50,000 for each count against both defendants along with interest and costs. He argues that his injuries have caused ongoing pain and suffering as well as loss of earnings capacity. Additionally, he demands compensation for medical expenses incurred due to his injuries.
Representing Freudberg is attorney David M. Hammer from Kelley | Uustal law firm based in Fort Lauderdale. The case is yet to be assigned a judge but carries the Case ID: 502024CA009080XXXAMB Div: AD.