GM Ignition Switch Death Toll Grows to 64
The total number of deaths officially linked to faulty ignition switches in GM vehicles has risen to 64.
GM’s special compensation fund setup to reimburse victims has just approved seven more death claims and four more injury claims, taking injury totals to 11 approved for serious injuries and 97 approved for less severe injuries.
Thus far, 109 compensation offers have been made by GM, 84 of which have been accepted while five have been rejected. When a victim or victim’s family accepts the payment, they give up their right to sue GM over the issue. In total, 4,343 claims were submitted, 478 of those seeking compensation for death. 742 claims have been ruled ineligible, while 1,571 claims are still under review.
SEE ALSO: GM Ignition Switch Deaths Hit 51, Expected to Continue Rising
The issue stems from a faulty ignition switch in GM’s small cars including the Chevy Cobalt and Saturn Ion. The key can turn to the ‘off’ position inadvertently, causing the engine to stall and the airbags to become disabled.
Due to a rush of applications submitted just before the Jan.31 deadline, the fund will need until least six months to finish.
GM set aside $400 million for compensation, but it may go as high as $600 million. Each approved death claim will receive at least $1 million.
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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