A federal jury in Wisconsin recently awarded Randy Seeman and his son Jason more than half a million dollars in a law suit over a defective Western Star truck.
Wisconsin is the only state with a so-called Lemon Law that covers semi-tractor trucks.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal reports that the Seemans purchased the truck in 2007 for $177,000 and used it to haul sand, gravel and salt around Wisconsin and Iowa. For six weeks, it ran like a charm but in November that year, it lost power. The Seemans took the truck to authorized Detroit Diesel dealers all over the state, but they claim engine problems were never fully corrected.

The Seemans contacted Daimler Trucks North America about a refund under Wisconsin's Lemon Law provisions, but the pair claims they got no response, and ultimately filed a law suit.

The Lemon Law allows for a recovery of twice the purchase price plus interest payments if the case goes to trial. In addition, the court entered judgment for $225,000 in legal fees.

Amy Sills, head of corporate communications for Daimler Trucks says the case is by no means representative of the excellent overall performance of Western Star vehicles and the experience of thousands of satisfied customers.

"While Daimler Trucks North America and Western Star Trucks respect the jury's decision in this matter, we believe that Wisconsin's unique formulation of the lemon law is seriously flawed, a topic we intend to pursue directly with Wisconsin legislators," Sills told truckinginfo.com.