More Than 100 Wrongful Death Lawsuits Filed Over GM Ignition Switch Problem
Consumers adversely affected by recalled GM vehicles continue to seek financial compensation from General Motors.
According to estimates, more than 100 wrongful death claims have been filed in connection with General Motors’ ignition switch recalls 
earlier this year, despite claims by the auto maker that only 16 deaths and about 60 other serious injuries were caused by defective ignition switches in its Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn vehicles. A total of about 2.6 million vehicles were affected by the GM recalls issued as a result of the defective ignition switches, and additional claims are expected to be filed against the car manufacturing company in the coming months, as applications for the victim compensation fund will be accepted until December 2014. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident caused by the GM ignition switch defect, contact a knowledgeable attorney today for legal help.
GM’s Defective Ignition Switches
Since establishing a victim compensation fund in August, GM has received at least 309 claims involving injuries and deaths allegedly caused by ignition switch problems in millions of its vehicles. According to claims, the faulty ignition switches resulted in vehicles unexpectedly turning off during use and prevented airbags from deploying properly, when heavy keychains are used or if the ignition is jolted, such as may occur in a car accident. General Motors has faced considerable backlash over the ignition switch recall, after it was discovered that the company knew about the defect since at least 2002, but failed to take action to protect GM car owners from unnecessary harm. As a result of its actions, General Motors was fined $35 million by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
General Motors’ Victim Compensation Fund
Although GM established the victim compensation fund to reimburse car owners for accidents linked to certain auto defects, the auto maker continues to fight claims brought on behalf of victims injured in accidents involving vehicles sold before GM’s 2009 bankruptcy organization, arguing that the “new GM” should not be held responsible for the actions of the old company. A number of plaintiffs have moved forward with personal injury or wrongful death suits against General Motors despite the creation of the fund, and these plaintiffs include those who claim to have suffered economic damages as a result of the company’s actions, and those who were injured or lost loved ones in accidents involving recalled vehicles not included in the compensation fund.
Contact a Skilled GM Ignition Switch Recall Attorney
Following the initial recall issued in February, General Motors hired investigators to conduct an independent review, which found that the company had failed to protect public safety and said the problems were the result of a “pattern of incompetence” plaguing the car company. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a recalled GM vehicle, or if you lost a loved one in a collision caused by a defective ignition switch, our consumer advocates at the Leading Justice can help. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers harmed by dangerous consumer products, and can help put you in touch with a qualified lawyer who has experience handling GM ignition switch recall claims.