Vladimir Konstantinov and Red Wing team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov claim that problems with the design of a Lincoln Town Car limousine they were riding in after a night of celebration after winning the 1997 Stanley Cup caused long-lasting injuries.
Based on the information published in an article appearing in the Toledo Blade, it is hard to imagine why the dealership is a defendant in this case. It is true that the dealership sold the limousine in question, but was not involved in either the manufacture of the base vehicle, nor the conversion to a limousine.
But so far the judge has not dismissed the suit and has scheduled a March 2008 trial date. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov claim that design flaws made it difficult for them to find and wear their seat belts and that design flaws in the construction of the passenger/driver barrier caused some of their injuries- apparently some of which caused Konstantinov to retire from hockey- so they claim in the pending legal action.
While the dealership is named as a defendant, Ford Motor Company is defending the dealership and has agreed to pay any damage award that might result, as required by the franchise agreement between the dealership and Ford.
Ford had previously entered into a settlement agreement with the two in 2001 over the vehicle.
More importantly, why was Konstantinov in the limo with the team masseur???
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Jeff, how much do you know about the accident? And, what, exactly, do you mean or are you trying to infer, with the last line of the article?
For your information, Slava Fetisov was also in the limo at the time of the accident, he was less seriously injured. The three were in the limo returning from the last Red Wings celebration following the Stanley Cup win in 1997. They were doing the right thing, and, as a result, these two men were permanently disabled. In Vlad’s case, a brilliant NHL career was cut short.
I don’t agree with the suit either, and your article was fine, up until that last sentence. Please explain what you meant by it.
What do you think he meant?
It’s called humour!
Hockey Night,
Nothing nefarious intended. The story is interesting in that Ford fessed up to factory defects and in our society of litigation the dealer was also sucked in. I give Ford credit for not letting the dealer sway in the wind. The injuries were unfortunate.
Jeff
I can’t understand why the suit was against the dealership either because if this accident is anyones fault, it’s probably this guy:
“The driver, Gnida, had been cited for 11 traffic violations since 1990—the charges included speeding, driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence of alcohol—and his license had been revoked in July 1996.
Gnida reportedly has told his boss that he swerved to avoid a stalled car, witnesses said the roadway was clear.” – SI
But, you can’t draw blood from a stone. Going after this guy wasn’t going to get anyone, anything.
Do a little research before you slam the Wings for being in a Limo. They had been drinking on a golf course on the their last team outing after winning the Stanley Cup. They did the right thing. Findlay Ford DID convert the Town Car to a Limo.. that is is why they are being sued.