Attorneys from Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, co-lead counsel
representing owners of millions of recalled vehicles in nationwide
litigation against General Motors Co., responded to the bankruptcy
court’s ruling concerning New GM’s liability in the class-action lawsuit.
“We are pleased that Judge Gerber will allow claims to proceed against
New GM if misconduct by New GM was involved in this series of massive
recalls. We believe that New GM’s misconduct was in fact present in the
sale of millions of defective vehicles – a truth that we believe New GM
knew and chose to conceal,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of
Hagens Berman and co-lead counsel representing plaintiffs in nationwide
litigation against GM.
Berman added, “In addition, we will appeal Judge Gerber’s ruling that
claims versus New GM for Old GM’s misconduct are barred. It cannot be
the law that Old GM could hide the defects, and subsequently use the
bankruptcy court as a shield. As Judge Gerber agreed, due process
required that Old GM give notice to owners of cars with defects, and
consumers did not get notice. The law must provide a remedy.”
The litigation against GM involves defective ignition switches that can
cause a car to inadvertently switch off while in operation. The defect
causes the car to stall, and also disables airbags and other electrical
features integral to safety, such as power steering and power brakes.
According to attorneys at Hagens Berman, evidence overwhelmingly shows
that “Old GM” was aware of the deadly defect for years before the
bankruptcy, but chose not to conduct a safety recall and concealed its
knowledge of the defect from regulators and consumers. New GM continued
the cover-up for years before finally issuing recalls beginning in
February of 2014.
“We also may challenge Gerber’s decision to avoid review by Judge
Furman, who, as the MDL judge, should have a chance to weigh in on an
issue that affects such a vast number of consumers,” Berman said.
Additional information about the suit, including a list of affected
vehicles, is available at www.hbsslaw.com/GM.
About
Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law
firm with offices in nine cities. The firm has been named to the
National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight times. More about the
law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com.
Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
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