As a success that was celebrated by local associations all around the Northeast, it is unsurprising that Jeff McDowell, president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is disheartened by the Connecticut Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Of course I’m disappointed,” he states. “We saw this victory as something that would set a precedent in our favor. The track record of two wins in a row was promising. It was as if justice was finally being served. It’s mind-boggling how this happened. I’m sure the rest of the industry feels the same.”
Nick Kostakis, owner of Angelo’s Auto Body in Irvington and former AASP/NJ president agrees.
“I think it’s a travesty,” he shares. “It’s a shame that these hard-working people fought as hard as they did only to have the battle go in an unfavorable direction.”
AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant shares his peers’ sentiments, but urges the industry not to abandon hope.
“It truly is unfortunate that it went the way that it did,” he says. “The truth is that insurance companies have the might and the money necessary to influence the system more than the collision industry. But if there’s one message I want to get out to the industry, it’s this: Don’t get discouraged because of this one decision; a variety of lawsuits are being won all across the country. However, we should work to keep the litigation under contractual lawsuits instead of class action. Insurers are more likely to win in class action cases – it’s like playing ball in their park.”
For more information on AASP/NJ, please visit www.aaspnj.org. For more information on the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, please visit www.aaspnjnortheast.com.