federal court in New York has dismissed as moot an appeal filed by plaintiffs with products liability claims pending against General Motors Corp. (GM) before it was sold in bankruptcy. In re: Motors Liquidation Co., No. 09 Civ. 6818 (U.S. Dist. Ct., S.D.N.Y., decided April 13, 2010). The plaintiffs sought to overturn a bankruptcy court’s approval of the automaker’s sale “free and clear” of their existing products liability claims as well as any successor liability claims they may have against the “new” GM.

Product liability claimants who lost their right to recover from General Motors LLC (GM) when that company’s assets were sold in bankruptcy have reportedly filed a notice of their intent to file an appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

A bankrupt holding company has reportedly agreed to pay $8.7 million to settle nuisance claims brought by a number of California cities and counties alleging public health problems caused by lead paint in homes and buildings. The funds will apparently be used to remediate lead paint-related health issues. Other defendants include lead paint manufacturers and distributors; trial against them is expected in 2012. California prosecutors are seeking an order requiring the cleanup of lead-contaminated buildings and a monetary contribution for public health efforts. See Law360, June 24, 2011.