If you have been following the news, you are probably aware of the General Motors (GM) ignition switch issues, which have allegedly resulted in several deaths around the nation. In fact, even a Texas woman suffered critical injuries in a related wreck. Now, the victim has initiated a product liability suit against the car company and others based on the defective ignition switch, which purportedly caused the woman to lose control on the road.
The lawsuit was filed in Harris County Civil District Court against GM and Delphi Automotive, the creator of the ignition switch at issue. The plaintiff also included the company that sold the vehicle.
According to the plaintiff, on December 23, 2013, the woman lost control of her vehicle on her way to a Christmas celebration with her family in Lufkin, Texas. The woman was proceeding north on U.S. 59 when the ignition switch went out in her Pontiac. This caused her vehicle to spin out of control, and her car ultimately slammed into a tree. Moreover, the woman alleges that the airbag did not deploy in the accident as a result of the ignition lockup. In the accident, the woman suffered broken ribs, a fractured neck and other severe injuries. In the end, she was forced to amputate both of her legs.
The woman’s vehicle is one of the 2.6 million GM vehicles that have since been recalled based on an ignition switch failure. The issue is linked to a series of problems, including those related to the anti-lock brakes, airbags and power steering of the vehicles. At this time, the plaintiff hopes that GM will accept responsibility for the car defects, which have caused several people harm.
Product liability matters
Consumers trust that vehicles they purchase are reasonably safe and secure. Furthermore, if a car has inherent issues, consumers have the right to be warned about potential dangers. However, products liability comes into play when the risk of a product cannot be projected, is not brought to consumers’ attention or outweighs any benefits of the particular product.
Here, there is either a design or manufacturing defect, which resulted in a number of faulty, unsafe vehicles. Moreover, there is evidence that suggests that the car company knew about the malfunctions, but failed to warn consumers.
When a manufacturer or distributor messes up, it is important that responsible parties are held accountable for any harm caused by such negligence. In this particular case, a woman’s life will never be the same. As a result, she may deserve compensation from the defendants if the court determines that the manufacturer and distributer were responsible for her accident. The financial recovery from the suit could support her medical treatment and needs.
A product liability case is not only beneficial to plaintiffs, but also helpful in holding responsible parties accountable and deterring future errors. If you have been injured in an accident that resulted from a manufacturing, warning or design defect, speak to an attorney about your legal options. You may be entitled to financial recovery.
