Paraplegic Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Sues Jeep Maker DaimlerChysler for Severe Burn Injuries

A multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against Jeep maker Daimler-Chrysler by a paraplegic who says the Jeep heated car seats caused him a severe burn injury. Matthew Beller, 20, who has paralysis in his lower limbs and complete loss of sensation below his mid-back due to a training accident sustained while in the U.S. Marine Corps, said his condition prevented him from sensing the burn while it was occurring and that the seats are "unreasonably dangerous."

The suit specifies that injuries to his buttocks occurred, "including third-degree burns requiring hospitalization, skin grafts and reconstructive surgery," while he was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Attorneys for Beller have demanded payment for damages in excess of $14 million, and they further contend that other paraplegics have suffered burn injuries similar to Beller's in Chrysler vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Even before Beller purchased the Grand Cherokee in August 2003, DaimlerChrysler "had knowledge that car seat heaters in its vehicles had caused severe burns to persons with sensory deprivation," the suit says. "The electrically heated driver's seat in the Jeep Grand Cherokee was defective and unreasonably dangerous to those using it, including Plaintiff Matthew Beller," said sources who have seen copies of the suit.

Chrysler spokeswoman Mary Gauthier said, "The company has not yet seen the lawsuit and is unable to comment on it."