A woman is suing Yamaha and several motorsports vehicle maintenance companies after her son was severely burned in an ATV gas explosion while the ATV is under recall.
Faith Ahlers, as mother and guardian of Jordan Kempfer, filed a lawsuit Dec. 27 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Yamaha Japan, Van's Yamaha-Polaris Inc., Holzhauer Auto and Motorsports Group, doing business as Holzhauer Auto and Truck Sales, Holzhauer Auto Group and Holzhauer Pro Motor Sports.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 10, 2010, Kempfer was injured and seriously burned after the Yamaha ATV he was riding malfunctioned and the gas tank exploded. According to the lawsuit, the Yamaha Grizzly ATV was under a slow recall at the time due to the gas tank being placed too close to the engine.
Van's Yamaha-Polaris and Holzhauer Auto both serviced the ATV previous to the accident and are accused of failing to properly install parts or failing to follow manufacturer instructions on correcting the defect.
Ahlers is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. She is being represented in the case by attorney James R. Williams of Williams, Caponi, & Foley P.C.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13L637.