'We are on very solid ground': Milwaukee city attorney to file lawsuit against Kia, Hyundai

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city of Milwaukee is moving forward with legal action against carmakers Kia and Hyundai after several years of increased car thefts.

City council gave its approval to move forward with legal action, and the city attorney isn't wasting time.

City Attorney Tearman Spencer said a federal lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai on behalf of the city of Milwaukee will be filed Wednesday.

The city is partnering with Keller Rohrback law firm out of Seattle, and a local firm called MWH, to target the carmakers.

"For financial reasons, and the city's financial state of affairs, it can prohibit us from trying to endeavor into such a lawsuit ourselves. This is a very expensive, very costly matter," Spencer said.

The lawsuit will seek retribution for city-related damages, from what leaders are calling "negligence" by Kia and Hyundai.

"It is my hope that not only do we curb the thefts, but that the city of Milwaukee recovers some of the damages for police, fire, DPW, and any other costs that we've had to incur," said Alderwoman Milele Coggs.

Other cities have filed similar suits, but Spencer believes Milwaukee is the epicenter of the issue, with thousands of Kias and Hyundais stolen. Car thieves are appearing to take advantage of a design flaw in the vehicles.

"In my estimation, all the problems emanated out of Milwaukee. This is ground zero," Spencer said.

For many residents, car theft has become a normal threat in the city.

"I was like, anytime I go out, is my car going to be there?" said Ashton Rotman, a Milwaukee County resident.

Rotman's Kia was stolen three times since he bought it in 2021.

"Every time it happened, it was hard to be kind of upset, it was just like, this is just what happens," Rotman said.

Ultimately, he got rid of the car.

Although the lawsuit won't directly help people like Rotman, he thinks it's a good start.

"Obviously as a consumer I would want to be a part of it, and maybe recoup some of that, but I think it's better than nothing at this point," Rotman said.

Attorney Spencer said the lawsuit is expected to be a long, but valuable process.

"The damage didn't occur overnight, and the settlement won't occur overnight either," Spencer said. "I'm very confident that we are on very solid ground as we move forward to fight it."

Attorney Spencer didn't say exactly how much money the city is seeking, as they're still collecting data.