California First For Crankshaft Legal Action

Mills said the initial suit is being filed on behalf of affected owners in California because of that state’s strong consumer protection laws. However, he said there are plans for a national class action suit (the California suit will remain separate) that will be filed in Lycoming’s home state of Pennsylvania. Assuming the courts accept the class action, all affected owners will automatically become part of the suit. Notification will be sent to all those who become part of the action and they will be able to opt out by returning a postcard that will accompany the notification. Mills said he and the other attorneys involved are undertaking the case on a contingency basis and will receive a court-ordered portion of any settlement to cover their fees and costs. In large cases such as this, the legal disbursement is generally around 25 percent of the overall settlement, he said. He said that although litigation of this nature can sometimes be settled quickly, the median lifespan of a lawsuit at his firm is 21 months and some have gone on much longer.