May 26, 2009 8:20 pm US/Eastern
GM Bankruptcy Could Cost Paralyzed L.I. Girl
SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
General Motor's threat of going into bankruptcy could threaten the future of a Long Island girl paralyzed in a tragic accident.
Amanda Dinnigan is filled with hopes and dreams that many 10-year-old's share, but her road ahead is filled with obstacles.
Her father's union insurance as an ironworker is capped and running out. She needs 24-hour care in their Smithtown home.
"No feeling, can't breathe on her own, can hardly move her head," Robert Dinnigan said.
The Dinnigans are suing General Motors and are worried about what will happen to their quadriplegic daughter if GM goes bankrupt. They blame a faulty seatbelt in their GMC Envoy for failing to protect Amanda when they crashed into a tree.
Amanda was nearly strangled. The adult seatbelt and shoulder restraint snapped her neck.
"It's hard, emotional, I'm angry, feel like I'm left out in the cold," Robert Dinnigan said.
With their lawsuit in limbo, the Dinnigans are keeping Amanda motivated and inspired.
The family lawyer, Alan Shapey, said the little girl was victimized by a defective seat belt and a giant mismanaged auto company.
A group of lawyers across the country is now lobbying Congress to create a fund like the September 11 victims compensation fund for victims like Amanda.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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