R.E. Jiffy Lube
3807 Concord Pike
Wilmington DE 19803
I had an oil change and lube and after a few hundred miles the oil filter came off, all the oil drained and the engine seized. I took the car to the dealer and they noted that Jiffy Lube did not properly tighten the oil filter, the same dealer told me they had three such instances in a month.
We Sued and Lost!
Here is why. The Judge would not accept the invoice that stated Jiffy Lube did not install the filter properly, the judge said we had to subpoena the mechanic and bring him in.
Here is the Kicker -
As part of the discovery in the lawsuit Jiffy Lube sent us records showing DOZENS of such suits and complaints against them. You would think this shows a pattern of negligence, wouldn't you?
NO!
Jiffy Lube argued that the suit had to focus on this one incident and that evidence of prior bad acts was inadmissible. All of the discovery evidence was thrown out.
The lawyer for Jiffy Lube argued that we should only get one months car rental and only the blue book value of the car, the Judge dismissed our witness and all evidence and found in favor of Jiffy Lube. (Owned by Shell Oil) Also this case was in Delaware where the individual has no protection against Corporations.
Be careful, the deck is stacked against you.
When dealing with a suit against Jiffy Lube in small claims court you absolutely need a lawyer!
In some cases just as the trial is beginning they will offer you $1,500.00, they will also drown you in paperwork and legal stuff to make you just "go away." When you ask for data in discovery in most cases they will not provide it stating it is "burdensome."
Another tactic is to send you a letter to inspect the vehicle. Make sure YOU pick the person doing the inspection and they agree to pay for the tear down and putting the car back together.
In my case Jiffy Lube spent more than the cost of a rebuilt engine in Lawyers Fees.instead of taking care of their customers they are shafting them. This is a totally disreputable company.
0 comments