GM Ignition Switch Lawyers
Thomas J. Henry Law Recognized as Leaders in Defective G.M. Ignition Switch Litigation
Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC has garnered national attention for its mass tort operations, including its fight against General Motors over serious injuries and deaths linked to their recalled vehicles.
The firm ultimately became the leading law firm in the nation for GM recall litigation, representing GM recall death and injury victims in nearly every state in the U.S. The firm worked with Congress to help shape GM Compensation Fund for Victims. If you have been injured in a faulty GM ignition switch accident, contact our recall attorneys today about your lawsuit.
GM Ignition Switch Lawsuits and Recall Lawyers
In February and March of 2014, General Motors recalled 2.6 million vehicles with defective ignition switches which can cause the vehicles to lose power without warning, disabling power steering, brakes, and airbags. In June of 2014, the company recalled an additional 9.9 million vehicles for a similar issue.
These ignition defects have been linked to numerous accidents and multiple fatalities.
General Motors is accused of delaying the recall after the ignition problem was initially detected in 2001. Had the company reported the defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when it was first discovered, multiple deaths could have been prevented.
Details of The GM Ignition Switch Recall
- Models affected by the recall include:
- 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2007-2010 Pontiac G5
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007-2010 Saturn Sky
- 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse
- 2000-2014 Chevrolet Impala
- 2000-2005 Cadillac Deville
- 2004-2011 Cadillac DTS
- 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne
- 2004-2005 Buick Regal LS & GS
- 2000-2008 Chevy Monte Carlo
- 1997-2005 Chevy Malibu
- 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrique
- 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
- 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2011-2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD
- 2011-2012 Chevrolet Silverado LD
- 2011-2012 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2011-2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2011-2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2011-2012 GMC Sierra LD
- 2011-2012 GMC Sierra HD
- 2011-2012 GMC Yukon
- 2011-2012 GMC Yukon XL
- 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade
- During the initial ignition recall, NHTSA has reported something as simple as vibrations from rough roads or a heavy key ring can result in the ignition switch moving out of the “run” position, cutting off the engine and all electrical power.
- The regulatory agency also verified that the defect can prevent airbags from deploying in the event of a collision.
- GM reports that at least 13 people have been killed in auto accidents linked to the vehicles recalled in February and March.
- A study conducted by the Center for Auto Safety, a watchdog group, links the recalled vehicles to 303 deaths.
- In the June recalls, GM cited additional concerns including faulty ignition keys, key fobs, and “unintentional ignition key rotation.”
- Along with the June recalls, GM announced that they were investigating three deaths and eight injuries that may be linked to the newly recalled vehicles.
GM Delayed the Recalls Despite Knowing of Risks
- GM allegedly became aware of the defect in 2001 after a report was filed in connection to a Saturn Ion before mass production initiated.
- In 2004, a GM engineer experienced the problem during the test-drive of a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
- In 2005, engineers were able to conclude that the vehicles’ ignition switches were prone to failure.
- U.S. law requires that all safety defects be reported to the NHTSA within five days of discovery – failure to do so carries a fine of up to $35 million.
- GM has attempted to fix the problem without issuing a recall, instead sending out “Technical Service Bulletins” instructing dealers to fix the problems – such bulletins are sent when a problem is not deemed a safety issue.
Senate Launches Investigation of Recall Delays
GM is being investigated by a number of federal and state agencies for their decade-long failure to address safety problems in the recalled vehicles. The U.S. Senate called GM CEO Mary Barra to testify about the company’s role in delaying the recall. Barra’s written testimony was released prior to the hearings.
Also in anticipation of the hearings, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a letter to GM, criticizing the company’s failure to admit they approved ignition switches that did not meet their own specifications.
David Friedman, head of NHTSA, was also called to testify and explain why the agency opened and closed investigations into the faulty ignition switches in 2007 and 2010 without issuing any recalls. Friedman’s written testimony was also released in anticipation of the hearing.
The Justice Department has also begun a criminal investigation into the matter.
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How Does the “No Win No Fee” Promise Work?
The Thomas J. Henry “No Win No Fee” promise works as part of a contingency fee agreement. Instead of receiving payments from clients, we recoup fees and expenses from the final settlement or verdict our clients receive.
This allows us to start working on your case as soon as you hire us, ensuring that your case is handled with the urgency it deserves. It also means you can focus on getting better rather than cutting us a check.
The percentage we collect may vary depending on the complexity of your case, but you will be kept informed so you know what we are collecting before your case is closed.
Even better, you owe us nothing if we don’t win your case! Because our fees are collected as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, we do not collect anything unless and until you get your recovery. This means there is no risk to hiring a qualified attorney to handle your case!
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Thomas J. Henry Law offers free case reviews so that you can better understand your legal options. This means you pay nothing for your first consultation. Additionally, Thomas J. Henry Law works on a contingency fee basis meaning that if you do choose to hire us, you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case.
To learn more about what it takes to speak with an injury attorney about your claim here.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me Settle My Case?
Insurance companies will attempt to pay out as little as possible when resolving an injury claim. When an individual pursues compensation from an insurance company without the aid of an attorney, the insurance company may see the lack of representation as an opportunity to lowball the injured victim as there is no immediate risk of trial or legal recourse.
By hiring a competent attorney who has a reputation for achieving large verdicts in the courtroom, you are sending a message to the insurer. It will provide the insurance company with extra incentive to offer a fair settlement the first time.
If that first offer is not fair, an experienced personal attorney will have the resources and the knowledge to negotiate with the insurance company in pursuit of a better offer.
What is a Contingency Fee?
In a contingency fee arrangement, an attorney agrees to accept a fixed percentage of your recovery as payment. This means that if you win your case, your attorney will collect their fees and expenses from the money awarded to you. However, if you lose your case, your attorney will collect nothing.
Most lawyers prefer not to work on contingency cases for two reasons:
- There is a risk the firm will be paid nothing
- Any payment is delayed until money is collected from the opposing party
Generally, a lawyer who accepts contingency fee cases:
- Regularly represents clients who lack the financial resources to pay hourly attorney’s fees (as is often the case for personal injury victims).
- Is more selective about the cases they accept.
- Is very confident in their ability to win the cases they choose to handle.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
The cost associated with hiring a personal injury attorney and how payment is collected may vary from firm to firm. At Thomas J. Henry, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t charge our clients a penny unless and until we win their case.
Working on a contingency fee basis allows clients access to resources and legal representation they might otherwise struggle to afford. The more serious a case is, the more money it costs to take to trial. This is because complex litigation tends to take longer to resolve and the entities involved fight harder.
This is especially true if your lawsuit is against a large company, as would be the case in a trucking accident or on-the-job injury. Such companies employ teams of lawyers and have seemingly unlimited financial resources. You need an attorney who has the same. Thomas J. Henry employs a team of more than 100 attorneys and has the money to fight your case out to the end.
Finally, by collecting any fees and expenses after a verdict or settlement is secured, Thomas J. Henry can help ensure his clients are able to focus on healing. “The client’s job is to heal. We will handle the rest,” says Thomas J. Henry.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
In Texas, a personal injury case is only worth what a jury is willing to award you. This is why you need an attorney who can not only prove the economic damages you have sustained due to your accident, but can also demonstrate the value of non-economic damages you may have sustained, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
Learn more about how to estimate the value of your personal injury claim here.
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We help clients across the U.S. with all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Thomas J. Henry offers a “No Fee Promise.” We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.
If you’ve been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
We are committed to your complete recovery. We will work with you to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and support for your healing journey.
If you’ve been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don’t worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
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No matter the injury or the accident, if you or a loved one were harmed due to the negligence of an individual or company, Thomas J. Henry is here to assist you.
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