However, the Washington Post notes, “those with past claims would have to pursue the GM left behind in bankruptcy with nothing but unwanted assets, debts and other liabilities. That means these consumers are likely to recover little, if anything.” Consumers injured in an accident caused by a defect can sue the new company that emerges from bankruptcy even if the car involved in the accident was built by pre-bankruptcy GM, but those who have lawsuits pending against the company that were launched before bankruptcy have effectively lost their cases.