Family sues Ford over fatal hydrogen sulfide leak in C-Max Hybrid

Tragedy in Arizona: Family Sues Ford Over Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Leak

A grieving family in Arizona has filed a lawsuit against Ford and several of its dealerships, alleging severe safety failures in a widely produced hybrid vehicle. The legal action centers on the tragic death of 60-year-old Abimiel Feliciano, who succumbed to hydrogen sulfide poisoning while driving his Ford C-Max Hybrid. The lawsuit argues that the design of the hybrid system and the negligence of both the manufacturer and dealerships contributed to this devastating outcome.

A Silent Killer in the Cabin

The incident, which occurred on August 8, 2023, saw Mr. Feliciano tragically pass away at a traffic light in Dothan, Alabama. Investigations by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences confirmed that hydrogen sulfide, a notoriously fast-acting and lethal gas, was the cause of death. This potent gas, when present in critically high concentrations, can be fatal within seconds. The lawsuit asserts that the vehicle's design allowed this deadly gas to infiltrate the passenger cabin, leading to the fatal poisoning.

Design Flaws and a Lack of Safeguards

Central to the family's claim is the assertion that a crucial ventilation tube, intended to safely expel gases from the rear-mounted battery, was improperly connected. This oversight, the suit contends, wasn't merely an isolated design error but a profound negligence. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights Ford's alleged failure to implement even basic safety features, such as gas detection or warning systems. While such technologies are commonplace in many other advanced sectors, their absence in a vehicle capable of generating lethal fumes is seen as a critical failing.

Mass Production vs. Passenger Safety

The family's primary grievance stems from the C-Max Hybrid's status as a mass-market vehicle. Their argument is that a car designed for broad public use should never present a scenario where its interior could become a deadly environment due to toxic gas accumulation. The legal team emphasizes that the responsibility of manufacturers extends to every driver and passenger, not just a select few. This case, they believe, transcends an individual tragedy and calls into question the broader accountability of automakers and their authorized service centers.

Dealership Negligence Under Scrutiny

Beyond Ford, the lawsuit also names Bill Luke Tempe, Camelback Ford Lincoln, and Sanderson Ford as defendants. These dealerships are accused of failing to identify and rectify the battery ventilation issue during pre-sale inspections, routine maintenance, or repairs. The family believes these crucial touchpoints represented opportunities to prevent the tragedy, and their omission constitutes significant negligence.

Seeking Justice and Industry Change

The family is seeking a jury trial to address the matter, demanding compensation for their losses and aiming to draw widespread attention to the critical issues of battery ventilation and early toxic gas detection systems in vehicles. "This isn't just about one family. It's about the responsibility automakers and dealerships have to every driver and passenger," stated attorney D. Michael Andrews of Beasley Allen. He further expressed the firm's commitment to driving industry-wide changes to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents from recurring. This legal pursuit echoes recent high-profile cases, such as the substantial award against Tesla in a fatal accident, underscoring the increasing scrutiny on automotive safety and manufacturer liability.