Faulty Ignition Switch Leads to 13 Deaths in General Motors Vehicle Recall Controversy

by Tim O’Hare

Follow The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Google+.

The General Motors recall controversy is in the news again as GM CEO Mary T. Barra indicated the possibility that the death tally from faulty ignition switches could rise. Yesterday, June 16, GM recalled an additional 3.16 million vehicles; the total of cars recalled by GM now topping 20 million.

Currently, a faulty ignition switch is to blame for 54 accidents and 13 deaths. The defective switch can shut off suddenly, cutting engine power and deactivating air bags in millions of cars including Chevy Cobalts.

Kenneth Feinberg, an attorney hired by GM, is doing his own investigation to determine whether or not there are any more deaths that can be attributed to the faulty ignition switch.

“Right now the information we have indicates the number is 13,” Ms. Barra said at a June 10 news conference. “At the end of Mr. Feinberg’s work we will know.”

General Motors has admitted to knowing about the problem with the ignition switches for more than 12 years before a vehicle recall was ordered. As a result, at least 13 people have lost their lives, including Amber Marie Rose and Natasha Weigel, two young women with their whole lives ahead of them.

What is most tragic is that the small part that needs to be replaced on recalled vehicles costs just 57 cents.

The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare is now accepting cases related to vehicle recalls. If you own a car that has recently been recalled by GM (or any other company), you may be entitled to legal remedies including economic damages, manufacturer reimbursement, class action lawsuits (if the recall has affected enough consumers) and personal injury recovery.

If you have been injured due to a defect with your vehicle, you may be entitled to recover financial losses associated with your injury. Furthermore, if you have lost a loved one due to a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to financial restitution.

Though no amount of money can replace a loved one, or even cover the true losses associated with a severe physical injury, all automakers must be held accountable. The GM issue reaffirms that the safety of vehicles manufactured should be the top priority of any automaker.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a car accident caused by a vehicle defect or recalled car, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare to speak with a Dallas personal injury attorney.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation 


972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020