Guidelines for GM Vehicle Recall and GM Ignition Switch Recall Victims Announced

Kenneth Feinberg, an attorney working with General Motors (GM) on the ignition switch injuries and vehicle recall lawsuits, has announced that the company could offer billions in compensation to victims of the delayed vehicle recall and their families, provided that they can prove a faulty ignition switch caused the car accident.

Feinberg is one of the nation’s top compensation experts, and has worked closely with GM on the ignition switch vehicle recall lawsuits and potential compensation for victims.

Earlier this year, GM began a massive vehicle recall for older model cars, dating back as far as 2004 and 2005 model years, which expanded into a huge global vehicle recall for 2.6 million cars that could have faulty ignition switches. Accidents involving faulty ignition switches, according to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, caused at least 54 injuries and 13 deaths. GM admits that there could be more injuries and deaths due to the faulty ignition switch and long-delayed vehicle recall.

Feinberg echoed GM, stating that he has not set an ultimate cost for the automotive manufacturer because he has no idea how many deaths or injuries were actually caused by the faulty GM ignition switch vehicle recall problem. On Monday, June 30th, at a news conference, Feinberg stated: “GM has basically said whatever it costs to pay any eligible claims under the protocol they will pay it. There is no ceiling.”

However, GM will limit its legal liability in some ways. According to a press release, Feinberg and his colleagues will accept GM ignition switch vehicle recall claims from August 1st through December 31st, and the company will pay anyone who can prove that their injury or their loved one’s death was directly tied to the ignition switch problem in one of the 2.6 million recalled models, regardless of any other problematic driving issues, such as a recorded DUI or distracted driving. The catch, of course, involves proving whether the injury or death was the result of the ignition switch problem: “At least the police report will say, in most cases, air bag did not deploy, very important” Feinberg said. “If the police report says the air bag deployed, the power was on at the time of the accident—the ignition switch did not fail.”

“In spite of GM’s acknowledgement that its ignition switch is defective, the plan places a greater burden on claimants to prove their cases,” Jere Beasley of the Beasley Allen firm in Montgomery, Ala., said via e-mail. “There is no presumption that GM’s ignition switch caused one’s injuries. Specifically, the administrator—who is paid by GM—is given the latitude to reject any and all claims.”

“The plan does not take into consideration the element of punitive damages, which must be factored in. GM’s conduct, based on the incompetence and gross negligence found by the Valukas investigation, deserves punishment. It is totally unfair to allow GM to escape being punished for its wrongful conduct over a period of 11 years,” Beasley added.

“We are pleased that Mr. Feinberg has completed the next step with our ignition switch compensation program to help victims and their families,” Ms. Barra said in a statement. “We are taking responsibility for what has happened by treating them with compassion, decency and fairness. To that end, we are looking forward to Mr. Feinberg handling claims in a fair and expeditious manner.”

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Defective Products and Vehicle Recall Cases

If you have experienced a problem with a defective product in your automobile, especially if a defective part has led to an auto accident or personal injury, and a proper vehicle recall notice has not been issued, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help you with complicated auto insurance claims, and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to help you with lost income and medical bills. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Georgia, and New York. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today at (803) 252-4800.