I agree that it has sadly become common place that we sue, but it's also just as sad that that is what it takes in order to get things done. The problem with this whole thing is that the dealership is more than likely only willing to fix the car, even though that doesn't solve the long term issue when the owner tries to resell, trade, etc and it has salvage written all over the title. Doing the right this isn't standard practice anymore, so unless they get sued with some arbitrary number that makes the owner feel better (and the lawyer gets a payday), then ultimately the owner will get left high and dry.
At this point, if the owner doesn't sue, the dealership will never "learn it's lesson" and the following day would be business as usual, minus some repair costs and a few employee changes. Sueing brings the game to a whole new level, widens more eyes and sadly will be what it takes to get the job done. Based on a combination of lies and trying to place some blame on the owner clearly goes to show that the dealership sure as hell isn't going to do the right thing on it's own.
But I do agree, American's sue far too much. This isn't some frivilous lawsuit where some stupid fat chick spilled coffee on herself andthen can't own up to the fact that SHE screwed up. In this situation, it's the only option to ensure that the right thing is done, because anything short of replacing the entire car would be completely halfass. It's not the owners fault, so he shouldn't have to bear the brunt of the loss when the day comes that he decides to get another car.
Hell, let the dealership buy it and turn it into a loaner car, at least then it's not a total loss. Don't forget though, per the manager, it needs some new tires in the back though
