Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Battery Defect

For the Feliciano family of Alabama, August 8, 2023, began like any other summer day. Abimael Feliciano, a devoted husband and father, set out on his usual drive through Dothan, Alabama, behind the wheel of his 2015 Ford C-Max. He had no reason to suspect that his car—a trusted companion for years—would become the source of an unimaginable tragedy.

But as the morning unfolded, something went terribly wrong. Abimael was found stopped at a red light, unresponsive, slumped over the steering wheel. First responders rushed to the scene, only to be met by a strong, rotten egg odor filling the car’s cabin.

The Hidden Danger Revealed

Investigators discovered that the battery’s vent tube—a small but crucial part designed to safely channel fumes outside the vehicle—had become disconnected and trapped under the battery. This allowed poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas to seep directly into the passenger compartment. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences determined that Abimael’s cause of death was hydrogen sulfide toxicity.

A Family’s Loss and a Call for Answers

For his wife, Trina, and their daughter, Alina, the loss was devastating.

The Feliciano family’s story has now become a call to action. Their attorneys at Beasley Allen have filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company and several Arizona dealerships, alleging that design flaws, missing safety features, and negligent repairs all played a role in Abimael’s death. The suit claims that Ford failed to install basic safety measures—like sensors or alarms to detect toxic fumes—and did not warn consumers about the risks of placing the battery inside the car’s passenger area.

A Message for All Drivers

The Felicianos hope their story will raise awareness about the importance of automotive safety and encourage car owners to ask questions about the vehicles they drive every day. They want other families to know the risks—and to demand that manufacturers put safety first.

As the case moves forward, the Feliciano family’s message is clear: No one should lose a loved one to a hidden danger in their car. Their fight is not just for justice, but for safer roads for everyone.