CHICAGO, IL, June 27, 2023 – Todd A. Smith, a founding partner at Smith LaCien LLC, Chicago, has been appointed Class Counsel by the Honorable Federico A. Moreno, of the Federal District for the Southern District of Florida in Miami, following his recent granting of class certification against defendant FCA US LLC (formerly Chrysler Corporation) in what is commonly called the Takata Airbag Litigation.
Judge Moreno entered his order late yesterday (June 26) appointing Smith along with attorney David Boies, of Boies, Schiller & Flexnor. Additionally appointed were Curtis Miner, of Colson Hicks, Eidson; Elizabeth Cabraser, of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP; James E. Cecchi, of Carella Byrne Cecchi Olstein Brody & Agnelo, PC; and Roland Tellis of Baron & Budd, PC. Seven defendants had previously resolved their involvement in what is widely regarded as the largest automotive product liability defect recall in history.
Over 50 million vehicles were recalled by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Chrysler had taken the position that class certification would be inappropriate under federal court rules. However, Judge Moreno ruled to the contrary on June 15, 2023, and now has appointed counsel to prosecute at trial the class actions he has certified pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(3) relating to class actions and specifically class certification. The claims in the actions involve fraud claims as well as unfair and deceptive trade practices.
