GM Bellwether Trial Criteria Determined

The first cases to go to trial over the General Motors ignition switch safety crisis will be comprised of a broad spectrum of injuries, fatalities, and vehicles in order to most accurately serve as a test sample for future litigation. Often when a large number of cases are consolidated into a multi-district litigation, presiding judges will select bellwether trials to provide insight for all parties into the progress of litigation, jury reactions, and presented arguments. Heading to the courtroom in early 2016, the first ignition switch trials will include both death and severe injury cases in vehicles issued as part of the initial round of automotive recalls, including Chevrolets, Pontiacs, and Saturns, and must include airbag deployment failure as a result of the ignition switch defect.