General Motors Co. could face its first trial next year over injuries or deaths blamed on an ignition-switch defect that prompted recalls of 2.6 million cars and trucks worldwide.

In letters filed on Monday, lead plaintiffs attorneys put forth the first proposed bellwether trial plan in preparation for a hearing on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman in the Southern District of New York. The hearing will focus on discovery in more than 115 cases against GM.