Posted On: July 20, 2009 by New York Personal Injury Attorney

GM to Assume Responsibility for Future Product Liability Claims

General Motors Corp. has agreed to take responsibility for future auto product liability claims, removing what may have been a huge obstacle on auto maker's path to a quick sale of its assets and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a "new company."

According to an Associated Press article, GM has wished to walk away from liabilities such as defective product lawsuits. But after a significant opposition from consumer groups, attorneys and state officials, GM has said the new company will assume responsibility for future claims involving defective vehicles sold by the old company.

The fact that the "new GM" will protect consumers who were seriously injured by defective "old GM" vehicles is a positive development and a victory for consumers. But GM's concession still does not help those who have been hurt by GM vehicles. Consumers who have been hurt by Chrysler have little or no recourse in product liability cases in New York and throughout the U.S.

At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP, our experienced NY auto products liability attorneys have fought tirelessly for the rights of consumers who have been injured by dangerous or defective products – including automobiles. GM's pending product liability claims involve a whole lot of product defects including brake failure, seatbelt defects, seatback failure and airbag defects, to mention a few. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective auto, please contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.