The state of Arizona and General Motors have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the automaker’s ignition switch recall, which will see GM pay $6.29 million.
The settlement differs from other states who settled earlier. Arizona’s attorney general, Mark Brnovich, said he fought hard to make sure the settlement funds go directly to the consumer—not the state’s general fund. Owners of affected GM cars may be eligible for at least $200 in the settlement.
“Consumers should always come first in consumer fraud and class action lawsuits,” Brnovich said. “When I took office (in 2015), I couldn’t believe consumer payments weren’t the focus of the state’s lawsuit against GM. I wasn’t going to settle until Arizona consumers received compensation.”
Many other states, such as Michigan, settled for similar amounts, but the funds went directly to the state’s general fund. Michigan received $4.3 million in a 49-statewide settlement that totaled $120 million. Arizona declined to settle then, and only would have received $2 million.
The defect was linked back to 124 deaths and 275 injuries. GM has paid over $1 billion in penalties and settlements following the recall, and many class-action lawsuits remain.
The final settlement still requires approval in the Arizona Supreme Court, which also has GM paying $1 million to the state itself.
Comments
The people of Arizona should not receive one dime! Only in America could this take place!
Suck it Brian! You’re just jealous. $200 in my pocket.. woohoo!
Not jealous, just smart enough not to lose control of a car when the car shuts off!
Darwin theory should take effect here!