VW hires Feinberg to handle diesel emissions claims

Washington – Volkswagen of America has hired attorney and compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg to help it resolve claims by owners of diesel vehicles with illegal emissions software.

VW of America CEO Michael Horn announced Feinberg’s hiring in a statement issued 17 Dec.

“His extensive experience in handling such complex matters will help to guide us as we move forward to make things right with our customers,” the statement said.

A Volkswagen of America spokeswoman said Mr. Feinberg’s program will be an out-of-court process, and such programs typically ask claimants who accept an award to waive their rights to sue the company in exchange for a settlement.

Volkswagen currently faces more than 450 lawsuits related to the diesel emissions violations that were assigned to US District Judge Charles R. Breyer in San Francisco last week.

Feinberg issued his final report on the GM ignition-switch claims fund on 9 Dec, noting GM paid out $594.5 million in settlements and approved 399 death and injury claims.

Mr. Feinberg has become the go-to expert for high-profile settlement cases. In addition to the GM ignition-switch fund, Feinberg oversaw the compensation programs for the victims of the 11 Sept 2001, terrorist attacks and the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.