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A Montreal man sues Ferrari in a shocking lawsuit that has raised serious questions about safety practices inside a luxury dealership. What began as a dream of owning a high-performance sports car quickly turned into a life-altering tragedy for Richard Papazian, who is now seeking $20.8 million in damages.
Papazian, a passionate car enthusiast, says he is still struggling to recover after suffering devastating injuries in an explosion at a Ferrari dealership in August 2024. The incident happened inside Ferrari Quebec on Jean-Talon Street West, where he had gone to explore vehicle options after placing a $20,000 deposit on a new Ferrari.
A Routine Visit Turns Catastrophic
According to court documents, Papazian was invited to view a pre-owned Ferrari 360 Spider during his visit. The vehicle, owned by Quebec entrepreneur Luc Poirier, was being showcased by a sales representative who attempted to start the engine multiple times.
Papazian stood beside the car, expecting a demonstration of its engine performance. Instead, within seconds, he was engulfed in flames.
He describes the moment as sudden and terrifying, with no warning signs before the explosion. The incident left him with second- and third-degree burns covering more than 56 percent of his body.
A Long and Painful Recovery
Papazian was rushed to the burn unit at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks. His recovery has been grueling.
He underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, many of which failed. His condition became so severe that he required dialysis due to kidney complications. Even now, he continues rehabilitation and recently underwent another operation.
Simple activities, like driving, now leave him physically exhausted. What was once his passion has become a painful reminder of the incident.
Allegations of Gross Negligence
At the heart of the lawsuit is a serious claim: that the explosion was entirely preventable.
Papazian alleges that the vehicle had been tampered with weeks earlier. Specifically, the lawsuit states that key engine components, including the fuel rail and injectors, had been removed by a technician. Despite this, no safeguards were put in place to prevent the car from being started.
The claim describes the Ferrari as a “dangerously compromised vehicle” and a “ticking time bomb.”
Adding to the controversy, the car’s owner, Luc Poirier, said he was unaware his vehicle was being used for demonstration purposes and confirmed it had been modified without proper precautions.
Silence from the Dealership
One of the most troubling aspects for Papazian has been the lack of communication from the dealership. He says that since the explosion, no one from Ferrari Quebec has reached out to him or his family.
In addition, his initial $20,000 deposit for a Ferrari purchase has not been returned.
The lawsuit names several parties, including dealership staff and technicians, but so far, there has been no public response from those involved.
Police Findings and Insurance Complications
A police report described the explosion as accidental, attributing it to a series of human actions. However, large portions of the report remain redacted, leaving many questions unanswered.
Papazian was reportedly advised to seek compensation through Quebec’s automobile insurance system. However, that system does not cover all incidents, especially those occurring during demonstrations inside buildings, which may exclude his case.
Trauma That Still Lingers
Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional impact continues to affect Papazian’s daily life. He says even small triggers can bring back memories of the explosion.
In one instance, sparklers on a birthday cake caused him severe distress and sleeplessness.
A Case That Raises Bigger Questions
As this Montreal man sues Ferrari, the case highlights broader concerns about safety protocols in high-end automotive environments. It also raises questions about accountability when preventable risks lead to catastrophic outcomes.
For Papazian, the lawsuit is not just about compensation. It is about responsibility, answers, and ensuring that something like this never happens again.