Hundreds of consumers have filed lawsuits claiming that General Motors was aware of these safety defects far earlier than the recalls were issued in 2014. The delay to recall the affected vehicles, plaintiffs allege, placed consumers at even greater risk of suffering serious injuries or fatalities due to these defects. So far, the company has already paid billions in penalties and settlements to consumers injured because of these defects and their families. The ignition switch on 2.6 million recalled GM cars can slip into the “Off” position while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in the loss of engine power, power steering, anti-lock braking, and airbags.
Improper mechanical specifications are blamed for the ignition switch defect. More specifically, there is a problem with a small part called a “detent plunger” that’s designed to keep the ignition switch in the “On” position (and thus keep the car running). The defective detent plunger did not have enough holding power to keep the switch from sometimes slipping from the “On” notch to the “Accessory” (ACC) notch. GM has said that ignition switch slippage could be caused by heavy key chains, drivers bumping the ignition, and “jarring events” such as running off the road or potholes. Injuries associated with GM’s faulty ignition switch have been divided into two groups: a) Category One, and b) Category Two. Those in Category One were considered severe injuries, while those in Category Two were less severe injuries that still required hospitalization or outpatient medical treatment.
Types of injuries in Category One include:
- Paralysis, quadriplegia
- Amputation
- Head injuries
- Brain damage
- Pervasive burns
Types of injuries in Category Two include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, serious cuts, and burns
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, such as cuts and bruising, or concussion
- Neck injuries, such as those damaging the larynx or trachea
- Chest injuries, such as broken ribs or internal injuries
- Arm and leg injuries, including sprains and breaks
- Abdominal injuries, such as pelvic fractures and injuries to internal abdominal organs
- Foot injuries, including sprains and breaks
Call a Defective GM Ignition Switch Lawyer Who Will Fight For Your Rights
Drivers who suffered these types of injuries related to an ignition switch defect may be eligible to file a lawsuit against GM to recover damages.
If you or a loved one was the victim of an automobile crash involving the GM ignition switch defect—or any other GM defect covered by a recall—we can help.
Contact Chhabra Gibbs & Herrington PLLC today if you have been harmed by a GM Ignition Switch. You may qualify for compensation.
Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A.
Aggressive Workers' Comp & Personal Injury Attorneys