Dearborn man is suing GM for more than $5 million

Owner of recalled 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt is upset with GM over faulty ignition switch

DEARBORN, Mich. – Adnan Jawad of Dearborn owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt.

The 61-year-old smoke shop owner said he wishes he didn't own it and was unpleasantly surprised when he received his General Motors recall letter for the faulty ignition switch.

Complete coverage: GM ignition recall investigation

"I'm scared to drive that car," he said.

Jawad immediately went to the Internet to learn more about the ignition switch recall and found the pictures of mangled cars and dead drivers. It took him about 2 minutes to pick up the phone and call his lawyer.

His attorney is Kassem Dakhlallah who is an experienced class action lawyer who saw only a couple of cases had been filed. He knew Jawad wanted GM to have to pay.

"For people that have purchased vehicles manufactured by GM, sold by GM, marketed by GM, with the understanding these were safe, reliable vehicles, only to find out that's not the case. There is a potentially fatal defect in these vehicles," said Dakhlallah.

The lawsuit is asking for more than $5 million. Expect many more customers to join in.

"If I'm going to drive a car, I want to know I'm driving a safe car. Plus, if I sell the car, they might not sue me," said Jawad.

GM is not commenting on this and other lawsuits like it. The automaker says these are expected and will be dealt with as they come in.

The GM recall: Damage control on steroids

The company says all it wans to do now is work with customers to get their cars fixed and have them comfortable with the process.


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.