Judge's comments could abruptly end GM ignition switch trial

NEW YORK (AP) — A trial aimed at defining settlement options for hundreds of lawsuits stemming from General Motors Co.'s faulty ignition switches could end abruptly after a judge cast doubt today on the claims of an Oklahoma man whose air bags didn't inflate when his car crashed in 2014.

General Motors, referred to sometimes in the case as New GM, should be entitled to dispute the claims of Robert Scheuer of Tulsa with new evidence it has unearthed raising questions about his testimony, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman said.

"I have no question that New GM is entitled to some of the relief that it seeks," he said. "I don't think it is even a close call."

The judge said a document supporting Scheuer's claims appeared to have been doctored and he appeared to have been more physically functional after his accident than he claimed. The judge urged both sides to consider a settlement, and talks began almost immediately.

The judge also said Scheuer's case against Detroit-based GM was "almost worthless as a settlement tool." He urged both sides to consider whether it was sensible to begin focusing on five other bellwether trials scheduled for later this year.