Manhattan Judge Orders the Continuance of GM Ignition-Switch Test Trials

GM ignition-switch test trials will move forward, according to a Manhattan judge's statement on Tuesday. The proceedings against General Motors Co over its faulty ignition switches linked to about 400 injuries and deaths will continue despite lawyers for plaintiffs tried to revise early trial plan.

In a letter sent by the attorneys for plaintiffs to U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman in Manhattan, they claimed that the remaining GM ignition-switch test trials set for this year may not be the most competent way to resolve the remaining injury and death claims, Reuters reports. General Motors on the other hand responded through their representative Jim Cain asserting the present plan is the best process to determine settlement value for the remaining cases.

"GM needs no assistance from a jury's verdict to determine settlement value given its years-long disbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars of settlement monies to thousands of victims," the lawyers for plaintiffs wrote.

Furman said that he choose to stay the course and go on with the remaining GM ignition-switch test trials, according to Channel News Asia. There's six bellwether or test still pending this year. Furman admitted that he's aware that the bellwether test is not perfect, but he would still welcome other options.  Elizabeth Cabraser, one of the lead lawyers suing GM said that they were inspired by the judge's openness to any refinements or alternatives to the bellwether process. Cain on the other hand claimed that GM is pleased to know that Furman is sticking with the current GM ignition-switch test trials.

"Should we have obtained a billion-dollar verdict in the first trial, we would still be working on ways to resolve the entire docket, quickly and efficiently," said Robert Hilliard, who is leading federal injury and death cases.

As per Auto News, GM has acknowledged that some employees were aware of the faulty ignition switches even before the automaker recalled 2.6 million vehicles in 2014.  The defective ignition switches lead to its displacement, stalling engines and cutting power to steering, air bags and brakes.  GM has paid $2 billion in separate fines and settlements with victims of the faulty switches.

GM ignition-switch test trials will be useful to help parties evaluate on how jurors will set value for settlements.  The first mid- trial was dismissed in January after reports claimed that the plaintiff didn't disclose the truth on the stand. The next litigation is set in March.

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GM ignition-switch test trials, GM Ignition-Switch Test, General Motors Co, General Motors Co recall, bellwether

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