Jim Heller, chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Products Liability Practice Group, commented on GM’s recall of 1.6 million cars. GM’s CEO Mary Barra will testify to Congress this week and is expected to explain the multi-year delay in recalling the vehicles with the faulty ignition switch, which has been linked to 12 deaths. The problem with the ignition switches was first noted in 2001, however Barra has stated that top executives at GM did not learn of the defective switches until January 31.

Jim commented in a Reuters article picked up by many publications that “(top executives) can't be involved in every consumer's complaint, regardless of merit.” However, he added that a growing problem that would affect company earnings and public relations should have been communicated to senior management.

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