As General Motors Co. seeks to fend off wrongful-death lawsuits and claims for economic losses arising from its ignition-switch defects, two shareholder actions are moving forward against its top executives, including chief executive officer Mary Barra, and board of directors.
During GM’s annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday, Barra said a compensation fund administered by attorney Kenneth Feinberg would begin accepting claims on Aug. 1 on behalf of people injured or killed in accidents linked to an ignition-switch defect. GM has recalled 2.6 million vehicles due to the defect, which can cause engines to shut down and disable power steering and airbags. GM also has moved in bankruptcy court in New York to bar class actions filed by its customers for economic losses tied to the recalls.
