The number of deaths associated with faulty ignition switches on General Motors vehicles has risen to 23, according to the attorney the car maker hired to oversee compensation to injury victims. Since August, 153 death claims have been filed with GM, 23 of which have been deemed eligible for compensation. Sixteen other non-death injury claimants have also received compensation under the program.
GM has publicly acknowledged it was aware of the problematic ignition switches in its cars, including 2005-07 Chevy Cobalts, 2006-07 Chevy HHRs, 2005-06 Pontiac G4s, 2007 Pontiac G5s, 2006-07 Pontiac Solstices, 2003-07 Saturn Ions, and 2007 Saturn Skys. In 2014, GM has recalled 26 million vehicles in North America and 28 million globally.
Under the compensation program, death claims deemed eligible will receive a minimum of $1 million, which can raise depending on a variety of factors. The world’s largest automaker has earmarked $400 million to cover ignition switch and recall-related compensation expenses. GM has said those expenses could rise by an additional $200 million if more-than-expected claims are filed.
Last week, the families of two victims killed in a GM vehicle with a defective ignition switche accepted compensation under the program. Compensation claims are being accepted until Dec. 31. The Cochran Firm, D.C. is accepting cases by individuals who suffered injuries and drove a GM vehicle subject to the ignition switch recall. If you or a family member was injured and drove a faulty GM vehicle, please contact us to receive a free, confidential consultation.
