Product recalls claims related to the defective General Motors ignition switches are steadily rising. According to the most recent report, the GM ignition switch settlement fund has received 1,772 claims for injuries and deaths, which is an increase of 12 percent from the previous week. Four new claims for wrongful death and 174 new claims for injuries serious enough to require hospitalization were filed last week.
Since the settlement fund first began accepting claims on August 1, 2014, 196 wrongful death claims, 116 catastrophic injury claims and 1,460 for less serious injuries have been filed.
Earlier this year, General Motors recalled 2.6 million vehicles due to the defective ignition switches. The ignition switches can move from the on position causing loss of power and functionality of air bags, brakes and steering.
General Motors established an ignition switch victims settlement program to compensate individuals who were injured and families of those who died in motor vehicle crashes caused by the ignition switch defect. General Motors has set aside at least $400 million to fund the program.
To date, the program administrator has made offers of settlement in 61 claims, including 30 wrongful death claims. According to a spokesperson for the settlement program, 25 ofers of settlement have been accepted. No offers of settlement have been rejected thus far.
The product recalls settlement program will accept claims until December 31, 2014.
If you or a loved one suffered injury or death in a motor vehicle accident involving a recalled General Motors vehicle, contact the Ohio GM Ignition Switch Attorneys at Clark, Perdue and List.