Liability plaintiffs lose out as auto companies go bankrupt

[babylonsister]

Bankruptcies turn aside lawsuits over safety issues

By RANDOLPH HEASTER
The Kansas City Star


Don Wren of Liberty had sued General Motors over a head-on accident that occurred in 2004. His lawyers contended his injuries were made worse because of a safety defect in his GM vehicle. The case was scheduled for trial next month but has been stayed.
KEITH MYERS/The Kansas City Star


The General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies have derailed lawsuits from hundreds of consumers over injuries allegedly caused by vehicle defects.

A group representing more than 450 clients with lawsuits or settlements pending against the companies estimated that nearly $2 billion in damages was being sought.

“The carmakers and the administration have decided they are collateral damage in the interest of a quick and expedient bankruptcy,” said Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety.

Don Wren of Liberty is in the same position as hundreds of others with suits against GM.

Behind the wheel of his GM car in 2004, Wren was in a head-on collision and his legs were crushed. His right leg was later amputated.

His lawyers contend his injuries were made worse because of a safety defect in the vehicle. The case was scheduled for trial next month but has now been stayed.

In pending lawsuits, the company withdrew all settlement offers on May 1, a month before its bankruptcy.

more...

http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1249753.html

[Callalily]

1. Unfortunately, we re going

to see more of this.

You know, it's always the little guy that ends up paying. *sigh*