A New York jury recently reached a verdict in favor of the defendants in a product liability lawsuit that was filed by a couple who alleged that they were injured in a 2014 accident that was caused by a faulty ignition switch in their 2007 Saturn Sky. The jury found that the ignition switch, which has been recalled by the manufacturer, was defective and made the vehicle unreasonably dangerous. However, the jurors also determined that the faulty switch was not the cause of the accident or the resulting injuries to the plaintiffs. Based on the jury’s verdict, the plaintiffs will be unable to collect damages to compensate them for the injuries they sustained in the accident.
The Jury Finds that the Accident was Caused by Icy Roads, Not the Ignition Switch
According to a news report discussing the verdict, the jurors decided that the crash was more likely than not caused by icy road conditions on the New Orleans bridge where it occurred. An attorney for the defendant, General Motors, noted in the article that there were over 30 other accidents on the night it occurred, and he stated that the accident was caused by the driver losing control of the vehicle and had nothing to do with the ignition switch issue.
Although the plaintiffs were not successful in this particular case, General Motors has settled 1,385 other cases related to the issue for a total of about $275 million, according to the article. Furthermore, the judge who presided over the trial made a statement that the verdict should not be read into too deeply by other possible victims of the issue, and it may not dictate the outcome in other cases.
General Motors Was Forced to Recall Over 30 Million Vehicles
The faulty ignition switch, which could possibly shift into the off position on its own and cause a vehicle’s steering to lock while moving and in gear, has been found to cause accidents when drivers are suddenly unable to steer their vehicles to avoid a collision. The switch was initially recalled in 800,000 Chevrolet and Pontiac vehicles in 2014 before the recall was expanded worldwide to include many different makes and models of GM vehicles.
The recalled vehicles include many late-model Chevrolets and other GM makes. Speak with an attorney to determine if your vehicle was subject to a recall.
South Florida Product Liability Lawsuits
Miami accident victims who own a recalled vehicle may be entitled to compensation from General Motors if it is found that the recalled ignition switch contributed to a car accident that caused serious injury or death to a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in the crash. Victims injured by any dangerous or defective products should seek legal counsel to determine if they can file a South Florida product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product to compensate them for the injuries they have sustained.
Companies have a legal duty to manufacture and design consumer products that meet or exceed safety requirements before marketing them to the public, although this is not always the case. Defects in design and mistakes in the manufacture of products can make them dangerous to consumers.
Companies may also be liable for damages in the event that consumers are not adequately warned of the inherent dangers of a product on the label or package insert. If you or a loved one may have been injured by a defective or inadequately labeled product, contacting a qualified South Florida product liability attorney can help you receive compensation for the injuries caused by the dangerous product.
How to Contact a Product Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one thinks you may have a product liability claim, an experienced Miami product liability lawyer at Friedman, Rodman & Frank may be able to secure the compensation that you deserve. Our dedicated and experienced South Florida injury attorneys can make your case to the court with as little disruption to your life as possible. At Friedman, Rodman & Frank, we represent clients in Miami and throughout South Florida in most personal injury and wrongful death cases, including product liability claims. If you are a victim of a dangerous product, contact us toll-free at 877-448-8585 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español / Nou Parlé Creole.
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