Jury finds Valvoline liable in St. Louis MMPA case

A plaintiff verdict was reached in a Missouri Merchandising Practices Act Claim in St. Louis City Circuit Court.

The jury sided with plaintiff Justin Wojtowicz, awarding him $5,465.07 in his consumer protection suit against Valvoline. The verdict was reached Aug. 26 and was tried before Judge Madeline Connolly. In a separate award from the judge, the plaintiff was also awarded $27,966 in attorneys’ fees, and $5,084.42 in litigation expenses.

The plaintiff alleged Valvoline concealed damage they caused to the plaintiff’s vehicle’s rear differential when performing a fluid change. The plaintiff claimed he required a new rear differential and part of his request included attorneys’ fees.

The plaintiff was represented by lead attorney Bryan E. Brody, along with Alex Cornwell, of Brody & Cornwell in St. Louis. The defendant was represented by lead attorney Corey L. Kraushaar and co-counsel Jill Mcdeldowney of Brown & James in St. Louis.

The plaintiff’s team had one expert at trial, Steven S. Paul with TDT Vehicle Inspection Services in Carlyle, Illinois.

“We’re pleased the jury awarded the plaintiff the money he asked for,” said Brody.

Kraushaar did not have additional comment.

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Consumer Protection

Amount of verdict: $5,465.07

Type of action: Consumer Protection

Venue: St. Louis City Circuit Court

Case Number/Date: 2322-CC06904, 08/26/2025

Caption: Justin Wojtowicz v. Valvoline LLC

Injuries alleged: Business, commercial, economic

Plaintiff’s attorneys: Bryan E. Brody and Alex Cornwell of Brody & Cornwell in St. Louis

Defendant’s attorneys: Corey L. Kraushaar and Jill Mcdeldowney of Brown & James in St. Louis

Plaintiff expert(s): Steven S. Paul with TDT Vehicle Inspection Services in Carlyle, Illinois