GM Ignition Switch Injuries & Deaths

Portland, Oregon General Motors (“GM”) Ignition Switch Recall Attorneys

General Motors (“GM”) has issued a recall of millions of vehicles with defective ignition switches. The ignition switches may cause a vehicle to stall or shut down, disabling airbags, power steering, power brakes, and other electronic systems. As of December 1, 2014, the defective ignition switches have caused accidents leading to at least 36 deaths and 44 seriously injured people. As a result, GM is facing a criminal investigation, and multiple civil lawsuits.

The Johnston Law Firm is pursuing and investigating claims and lawsuits against GM on behalf of individuals and families killed and injured as a result of defective GM ignition switches.

We are offering free case evaluations for the GM ignition switch recall. Contact our Portland, Oregon Law Firm for a free consultation. The current deadline to make a claim against GM’s compensation fund is January 31, 2015, although civil cases can and will be pursued against GM in Court after that date.

Events Leading to the GM Ignition Switch Recall and Compensation Fund

GM’s recall of nearly 2.6 million vehicles in 2014 began a decade after individuals inside the company were first aware of the defective ignition switch, according to recent reports. The defect causes the ignition key to slip out of the “run” position while the car is in motion, shutting off airbags, power steering and power brakes. Results have been deadly and catastrophic, with drivers losing control of vehicles, without the ability to brake, steer, and without the benefit of an airbag. Media reports over the past year indicate that GM knew of the potential defect as early as 2001, and did not act for over a decade despite several internal memos informing the company about the defective ignition switches. GM has recalled a total of over 30 million cars and trucks in 2014 alone.

As a result, in August 2014, GM initiated a claims program to compensate victims of vehicle crashes related to the faulty ignition switch. Through the program, eligible death claimants can receive more than $1 million, and the amount of compensation is not capped. In December 2014, Kenneth Feinberg (the attorney administering GM’s compensation program) confirmed that at least 36 deaths were caused by the defective ignition switch. He also acknowledged 44 claims of catastrophic injuries such as quadriplegia, brain damage or burns sustained in crashes. To date, the GM program has received 229 death claims and 1,986 injury claims. Additional deaths and injured parties will be confirmed by the program in the coming months.

The current deadline to make a claim against GM’s compensation fund is January 31, 2015. Please contact the Johnston Law Firm to discuss your case.

General Motors Recall Vehicle List

The following are the specific vehicles on the GM recall list.

Potential Damages for People Injured by GM’s Defective Vehicles

Auto manufacturers, including GM, have a legal duty to promptly correct any known safety defects. Personal injury lawsuits against auto manufacturers for selling defective vehicles with safety flaws may include money damages for the following:

• Medical expenses;
• Loss of earnings and earning capacity;
• Physical pain and suffering, mental distress and physical impairment; and
• Punitive damages in cases of willful or malicious misconduct.

If a driver or occupant died, family members may file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Contact our office today to discuss your case.

Helpful Links

NPR News: Timeline: A History Of GM’s Ignition Switch Defect
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/31/297158876/timeline-a-history-of-gms-ignition-switch-defect

New York Times: G.M. Ordered a Half-Million Replacement Switches 2 Months Before Recall
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/business/gm-ordered-replacement-ignition-switches-months-before-recall.html

GM Ignition Compensation Claims Resolution Facility
http://www.gmignitioncompensation.com/

GM Ignition Recall Website
http://www.gmignitionupdate.com/index.html