What a Breathtaking (and Fiery) Tale of Tesla’s Troubles
In a rash of misfortune and fiery mishaps, a Chicago law firm has taken a stand against Tesla. Corboy & Demetrio is suing the electric‑vehicle giant on the grounds that its 2014 Model S’s battery pack was literally a ticking time bomb.
Key Hits That Sparked the Legal Fire
- In May 2023, a Tesla driven by teenage lad Barrett Riley hit a concrete wall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The car went up in flames, killing Riley and the passenger Edgar Monserratt Martinez—the very man whose estate the firm defends.
- Riley’s parents had installed a speed limiter at a service centre to keep the car below 136 km/h—a precaution considered by the firm to be crucial. Unfortunately, the limiter was slyly wiped off during another visit, entirely without their knowledge.
- Right before the fender‑busting collision, Riley was blasting the car at a blistering 186 km/h.
The lawsuit gapes at Tesla for two reasons:
- Negligent removal of the limiter, turning a restrained teensy speed into a speedometer‑crushed catastrophe.
- The company allegedly failed to warn buyers about the battery’s dangerous “funk.”
Why This Matters (and How Many More Tanks Are Inflaming)
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) watchdog has been sniffing around the incident. “We’re still on this mystery,” a last‑year statement said. Meanwhile, Corboy & Demetrio points out there have been dozens of potential battery fire cases worldwide in the last five years—some as a bolt from the blue, others when the car was lying still.
Right‑Now: Tesla’s Still on Blind‑Spots
Our sources say Tesla hasn’t replied to a Reuters request for commentary yet. The company’s silence doesn’t sharpen the air‑wave; it only adds to the tension of the lawsuit breathing down its long‑arms.
Bottom Line: Who’s Driving the Fire?
After all, electric cars are supposed to be a safe, clean ride, but this lawsuit reminds everyone that even clean technology can turn hot if the safety net isn’t tight enough. It’s a sizzling reminder for consumers, regulators, and car makers alike to keep the power flowing—without sparking a tragic blaze.
