Blumenthal Statement On GM Decision To Seek Bankruptcy Protection Against Ignition Switch Lawsuits

(Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement in response to court filings by General Motors (GM) seeking bankruptcy protection against lawsuits related to any actions by the automaker before it filed for bankruptcy in 2009, including ignition switch claims: 

“GM’s recent actions in litigation demonstrate clearly its intent to use the bankruptcy process to prevent many victims and their families from obtaining relief for the harms they have suffered. Whatever GM’s lawyers may argue, the judges in these cases should deny GM this shield. Regardless of these legal battles, the company should simply do right by these victims and establish a compensation fund that will make them whole. Several of my colleagues and I have called on the Department of Justice to insist that the company establish a compensation fund as part of any settlement of a criminal investigation.”