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.

Contact Us for a Free Case Review
866-517-5659
info@tjhlaw.com
Read More - Side Contact Form

Contact Us for a Free Case Review
Contact Form

Your Questions Answered

We have straight answers to difficult questions
to help you make critical decisions, navigate
legal process and help you get justice.

Following an accident, there are always more questions
than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer
any questions you have about your injury case.

A tort is a civil wrongful act committed by a person or company that results in harm to another person. A mass tort is when multiple victims are injured by the same single tort.
A court will consider if a mass tort lawsuit is permissible by determining:
  • whether a large number of plaintiffs are involved
  • whether the plaintiffs are located near or far from each other;
  • whether the injuries sustained are similar among the plaintiffs;
  • whether the claims arose from the same cause (defective toy, car part, oil spill, etc.)
  • Defective products, such as car parts, toys, or other consumer goods.
  • Pharmaceutical drugs, such as those that are later linked to severe or fatal health consequences
  • Environmental hazards, such as polluted water sources contaminated by nearby industrial sites or an oil leak.
Thousands of lawsuits across the country may be filed with a mass tort. These lawsuits are filed in numerous federal district courts. In a mass tort, federal judges will consolidate the thousands of lawsuits into a single proceeding. One judge in a single federal district court will oversee litigation, allowing for consistent rulings and a more expeditious process for the plaintiffs.
In a mass tort, each plaintiff (injured person) has an individual claim resulting from their unique damages. In a class action, many plaintiffs are considered collectively. Similarly, in a mass tort, each individual's claim "value" is unique to the severity of their injuries. In a class action, plaintiffs generally suffer injuries of similar severity, resulting in the same amount of compensation value.
If you have been injured or suffered illness due to a recalled drug, having an expert witnesses can be essential to proving your claim. Thomas J. Henry has spent decades building professional relationships with leading experts including:
  • Pharmacologists
  • Toxicologists
  • Regulatory Compliance Consultants
  • Forensic toxicologists
  • Drug Injury Causation Experts
  • Biomechanics

Why Choose Us

Dollar signs with a strike-through

No Win, No Fee

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.

Family standing next to a house and car with a checkmarked shield icon

Help with Bills

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.
Car, truck and motorcycle icons

Full-Service Injury Firm

We handle all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, vehicle recalls, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Car with TJH logo zooming

We Come to You

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.
Why Choose Us - Over 250 Attorneys Available

Largest Injury Firm in Texas

We have 250+ personal injury attorneys available 24/7 to help you and your family. We have the power and resources to handle any case. Call now for your free case review.

Silhouette of the United States icon

Nationally Recognized

Our firm wins top verdict awards each year and has been featured in Texas Monthly, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Newsweek.com, Forbes, Fortune, Parenting Magazine and more.
Starred ribbon on a document

Top Verdicts & Settlements

We win some of the top verdicts, settlements, and judgments in the country. Recent recoveries include $50 million for a trucking accident, $35 million for a trucking accident and $30.2 million for a vehicle recall accident.

Recent Results

This is just a small sampling of the results we have obtained for our clients.
Please click through to view more verdicts, settlements, and judgments.
Trucking Accident

$50 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Trucking Accident

$35 Million

WRONGFUL DEATH

Product Liability

$30.22 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Premises Liability

$14.75 Million

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Medical Malpractice

$12.7 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Company Vehicle Accident

$10 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Help & Information

Thomas J. Henry Automobile Crash Statistics Infographic
INFOGRAPHIC

Car Accident Accident Facts and Statistics

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in crashes involving cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Thomas J. Henry FAQs - Texas Auto Accidents
VIDEOS

Are punitive damages available in a Texas auto accident case?

Learn about recoverable damages available to you after suffering an auto accident injury.
Thomas J. Henry Legal Guide "A Guide to Texas Personal Injury Law"
LEGAL GUIDE

Texas Personal Injury Legal Guide

Learn about the car accident claim process in Texas and how best to protect your rights.

Our Practice Areas

Representing injured victims from across the United States.

Blog

ACCIDENTS

Hit-and-Run Accident Occurs During SXSW Weekend in Austin

According to kxan news, a tragic hit-and-run accident occurred in downtown Austin early Tuesday morning, March 12th, 2024, coinciding with the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. One person was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River Streets around 1:10 am.  A second pedestrian was also hit, […]
San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer
ACCIDENTS

San Antonio Highway Shutdown after 18-Wheeler Crash

A big rig 18-wheeler fell off of Highway 97 and crash into I-37 South on San Antonio’s southside. Incident Details According to KSAT, the driver of an 18-wheeler crashed on SH 97 and went off the highway, and landed on the southbound lanes of I-37. San Antonio, Texas. Emergency officials shut down the southbound main […]
LEGAL GUIDE

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

After a car accident, a critical question that arises is the assignment of fault. Comprehending how fault is established can aid you in maneuvering through the legal proceedings and ascertain that you receive the recompense you are entitled to. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we bring to the table our vast experience in car crash […]
Are car accident lawyers worth it?
ACCIDENTS

Fatal Accident in Austin, Tx at FM 812 and FM 973 Intersection

A fatal accident involving multiple vehicles occurred in Travis County on Sunday, February 11th, 2024. Incident Details According to KXAN News, a serious accident involving up to four vehicles occurred at the intersection of FM 812 and FM 973 on Sunday night. Four people tragically died at the scene of the crash. Another person was […]

Customer Reviews

Julie Elliot

Austin | 12 months ago

Very professional and overall great experience!

Shannon Peterson

Austin | 1 year ago

Very professional and courteous staff. Gets the job done swiftly and promptly! Friendly and always treats you with respect.

C. Files

Austin | 1 year ago

Truly was always there when I reached out. White glove service.

Loading...
Do you really want to end conversation?
chat-icon Live chat
avatar Waiting