Chrysler Bankruptcy Could Derail Liability Lawsuits

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chrysler's bankruptcy filing has put the company's operations on hold, but it's also left those with lawsuits against the struggling automaker in limbo.

Jeremy Warriner underwent 38 surgeries and lost both of his legs after he was trapped in his Jeep in an accident nearly four years ago, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

Warriner is suing Chrysler over an alleged design defect with the vehicle's brake fluid reservoir that his attorney said led to the fire that took his legs.

"They should be held responsible for that. That's not an accident that's just negligence," Warriner said.

But with the company in bankruptcy, the more than 300 current product liability cases have been put on hold. There's also a chance the lawsuits could be written off all together.

"We're financing the deal and, at the same time, we're giving them a get-out-of-jail free card on any injuries that any of their vehicles can cause," Warriner said.

Chrysler spokesman Michal Palese issued a statement Wednesday saying that any product liability cases would be addressed in the bankruptcy process.