Court in Florida reduces compensatory damages in Tesla's lawsuit concerning a wrongful death claim

Tesla Cleared of Liability in Autopilot Wrongful Death Case by Florida Appeals Court

In a recent ruling, the Florida Court of Appeal has overturned a decision that would have held Tesla liable for damages in a wrongful death case involving the death of Jeremy Banner in 2019. Banner, the plaintiff, was driving a Tesla Model 3 when it crashed into a tractor-trailer that was crossing the road, resulting in the roof being completely torn off.

The appeals court judge determined that Tesla's Autopilot features were state-of-the-art and complied with all industry and regulatory standards. The judge also stated that Tesla cannot be held liable for not providing functionality that it did not advertise.

However, Banner's attorneys argue that Autopilot was inadequate on cross-traffic roads and that Tesla was aware of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) defects. They claim that the company prioritised profits over safety and want to send a message to companies that do the same with the damages.

The case (No 4D2023-3034) alleges that Tesla misstated the capabilities of its Autopilot feature. Tesla, on the other hand, maintains that Banner was liable as he ignored warnings about Autopilot's limitations.

The trial in the wrongful death case will continue after Tesla's appeal has been granted. If punitive damages are awarded, they will be calculated based on factors such as lost income and medical expenses. Punitive damages are typically larger than compensatory damages.

Despite the appeals court ruling, the case highlights the ongoing debate about the safety and capabilities of autonomous driving technology and the responsibility of manufacturers in ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. The case is expected to set a precedent for future wrongful death cases involving autonomous vehicles.

Court in Florida reduces compensatory damages in Tesla's lawsuit concerning a wrongful death claim