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March 26, 2014

GM Hid Fatal Safety Defects from Victims' Families 
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More revelations have emerged in the General Motors safety scandal
linked to scores of deaths. The New York Times reports GM knew of a
fatal safety defect in their cars but continued to mislead the families
of accident victims. A 2009 GM meeting confirmed hundreds of thousands
of cars had faulty ignition switches, shutting down engines and airbags.
But GM kept those findings secret for the next five years, telling
victims' families there was insufficient evidence of any flaws. In one
case, GM threatened to go after a victim's family for legal fees unless
their lawsuit was withdrawn. The denials ended earlier this year after
GM admitted to the faulty ignition switches and recalled some 3.1
million cars. GM admits the defect has caused 12 deaths, but independent
estimates say the toll could be in the hundreds.

 

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