Diesel Emission Claims

Uncover your rights against deceptive diesel emission levels.

Has your diesel vehicle been causing more environmental damage than you were led to believe? Barings Law is committed to assisting diesel owners claim compensation.

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'Dieselgate' and what it means for you.

Hundreds of thousands of cars and vans powered by diesel fuel are involved in what is already known as ‘Dieselgate’ with vehicles’ emission levels believed to be higher than the allowable limit. If you drove a diesel vehicle that was first registered between 2009 and 2020, the manufacturer may have fitted defeat devices, which cheat the emissions tests and ensure their vehicles’ readings were lower. 

The scandal means that the majority of household names are guilty of misleading the public, producing cars and vans with emission levels that passed regulations, despite significantly exceeding the legal limit. The use of defeat devices i.e. cheating the regulators’ checks means that customers have been misled, resulting in severe consequences for the environment and public health.

While diesel vehicle owners between 2009 and 2020 may be entitled to compensation, we are unfortunately no longer accepting new claimants at this time. We understand the importance of ensuring fair compensation for affected individuals, and we encourage you to stay informed about any future developments or opportunities that may arise.

The background of Dieselgate.

Scandals relating to emissions began in 2014 when discrepancies emerged between the emissions of European and American versions of the same model cars. Investigations into the matter found software that manipulated emissions from diesel engines, sensing that the vehicle was being subjected to test conditions and adjusting the engine to emit less Nitrogen Oxide and fall within regulations. 

2014

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Researchers from West Virginia University publish a study showing Volkswagen (VW) diesel cars emit up to 40 times more Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) than allowed by US regulations

2015

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VW announces a recall of millions of diesel cars worldwide to remove the defeat device and admit that the emissions cheating affects around 11 million vehicles worldwide, including Audi, Porsche, and Skoda models

2016

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The UK Department for Transport (DfT) launches an investigation into diesel emissions, focusing on VW

2017

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VW is fined $4.3bn after pleading guilty to a charge violating the Clean Air Act in the US

2017

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The UK High Court rules that the government failed to take appropriate action to address air pollution in the country

2018

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The EU launches an investigation into emissions cheating by VW and other car manufacturers

2019

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The European Commission fined BMW, Daimler, and VW a total of ₠875m for colluding to limit the development of emissions-reducing technology 

2020

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VW settles a class-action lawsuit brought by German customers affected by the scandal for ₠830m

2021

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The UK announces a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030

2022

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VW settles a group litigation claim in the UK for £193m to more than 90,000 diesel drivers*

2023

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There was a key development in the case against Mercedes, when the High Court ruled that individual claims could be grouped together and proceed as one under ‘group litigation*

2024

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Provisional trial dates have been set by by the court for October 2025 for the claim against Mercedes*

*These cases are related to multiple legal firms across the UK

2014

Researchers from West Virginia University publish a study showing Volkswagen (VW) diesel cars emit up to 40 times more Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) than allowed by US regulations

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2015

VW announces a recall of millions of diesel cars worldwide to remove the defeat device and admit that the emissions cheating affects around 11 million vehicles worldwide, including Audi, Porsche, and Skoda models
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2016

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) launches an investigation into diesel emissions, focusing on VW. 
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2017

VW is fined $4.3bn after pleading guilty to a charge violating the Clean Air Act in the US
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2017

The UK High Court rules that the government failed to take appropriate action to address air pollution in the country
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2018

The EU launches an investigation into emissions cheating by VW and other car manufacturers
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2019

The European Commission fined BMW, Daimler, and VW a total of ₠875m for colluding to limit the development of emissions-reducing technology 
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2020

VW settles a class-action lawsuit brought by German customers affected by the scandal for ₠830m
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2021

The UK announces a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030
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2022

VW settles a group litigation claim in the UK for £193m to more than 90,000 diesel drivers*
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2023

There was a key development in the case against Mercedes, when the High Court ruled that individual claims could be grouped together and proceed as one under ‘group litigation*
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2024

Provisional trial dates have been set by by the court for October 2024 for the claim against Mercedes*
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*These cases are related to multiple legal firms across the UK

Frequently Asked Questions.

We’ve answered some of our most Frequently Asked Questions below, but if you have a question that we have not answered, please feel free to book a one-on-one consultation with one of our experts, give us a call on 0161 200 9960, or click on the webchat icon at the bottom right hand side of this page.

Can I still claim compensation for falsified emissions on my vehicle? 

Barings Law are no longer accepting new claimants for diesel emissions.

I have an ongoing claim, can I have an update? 

For all updates regarding diesel emissions, please contact our client service team by calling 0161 200 9960, emailing info@baringlaw.com or via our webchat. 

How long is the claim expected to take?

Each case can vary in the amount of time it can take from start to finish. Each manufacturer of a diesel vehicle will vary as they will be at different stages in the process.

Where can I find more information about ‘dieselgate’ and what it means?

We regularly post articles on our knowledge centre where you can find a range of information about ‘dieselgate’ and related news.

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