The attorney for the GM ignition switch settlement fund announced that he has approved 19 death claims. Previously General Motors had acknowledged only 13 deaths connected to the faulty ignition switch issue that led to product recalls of millions of GM vehicles.
The settlement fund was established to compensate those who were seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes involving GM vehicles that were recalled due to defective ignition switches. The defect caused the ignition switches to unexpectedly and suddenly move from the “on” position to the “off” position, resulting in failure of power assisted steering, airbags and anti-lock brakes. Numerous car crashes occurred due to this defect.
The settlement fund began accepting claims on August 1st. Since that time, 125 death claims have been submitted. The claims that have not been approved are still being reviewed or waiting further evidence.
So far, the product recalls settlement fund has received 58 Category 1 injury claims. Category 1 injury claims are for serious injuries such as paralysis, amputations, permanent brain damage or serious burns. Only four of the submitted claims have been approved thus far. In addition, 262 claims for less serious injuries have been submittred. Those claims involve injuries that required hospitalizations or outpatient treatment within 48 hours of the accident. The fund administrator has approved eight of the less serious claims.
No settlement amounts have been disclosed, however, the death claim settlements are expected to run into the millions of dollars.
The GM ignition switch settlement fund will accept additional claims through the end of 2014. Any person who accepts a settlement from the fund will give up their right to sue General Motors over any alleged injuries or death.
If you or a loved one suffered injury or death in an automobile accident involving a recalled General Motors vehicle, The Ohio GM Ignition Switch Injury Attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List may be able to help you obtain compensation. Time is extremely limited as claims must be submitted no later than December 31, 2014.