Death Toll Rises in General Motors Recall Suit

Earlier this year, General Motors (GM) originally reported thirteen deaths due to the defective ignition switch in certain GM vehicles; however, that number has increased to 19 and is expected to grow. GM recalled more than 2 million cars in February because of faulty ignition switches followed by a 3 million vehicle recall in June to prevent the same issue. The defective ignition switches would shut off the vehicles engine and disable the air bags and certain safety features.

GM has organized a compensation program for individuals and their families who have suffered from a serious injury or death due to the defective switches in their vehicles. GM has appointed an attorney to handle the program and they waived their right to disagree with the attorney’s conclusions. Currently, there is no cap on the compensation program. The deadline to submit a claim is December 31, 2014.

So far there have been 125 claims of death, in which 19 have been accepted by GM’s compensation program. There are 58 claims of serious injuries that include: double amputation, brain damage and quadriplegia. Four of those claims have been accepted. There have also been 262 claims of minor injuries that required a hospitalization or other treatment. Eight of those claims have been accepted by GM.

For more information on GM’s recalls, you can visit our blog post where we have been following GM’s latest recalls.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident due to a defective vehicle, you may have a product liability or personal injury claim. Contact our attorneys today to see what your rights are.

Source:

Time, “GM Lawyer Increases Death Toll From Recalled Cars”