According to news reports, the number of deaths linked to GM ignition switches has risen to 119. In addition, 243 people have reportedly been injured in crashes believed to be caused by GM ignition switches. GM has initiated a compensation fund to pay victims for injuries and other damages caused by the ignition switches.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a GM ignition switch, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
362 Total Claims Approved, Including 119 Death Claims
According to a Michigan Live report, the recalled ignition switches can “move out of the ‘run’ position to the ‘accessory’ or ‘off’ positions, leading to a loss of power.”
GM recalled 2.6 million cars in 2014, and as of March 31, 2015, the company had paid $200 million to settle claims. The compensation fund has approved 362 total claims, including the 119 death claims, with eighty-one still under review. GM has reportedly reserved as much as $400-600 million to compensate victims of accidents involving the ignition switches.
Many Injured May Have Been Excluded
According to a Bloomberg Business article, the compensation fund is covering 2.6 million vehicles with flawed ignition switches, but will not cover a similar problem found in 10 million additional vehicles after the initial recall. GM reportedly recalled the 10 million vehicles immediately after the problem was discovered and made no efforts to cover it up, so the company claims those vehicles are ineligible for compensation.
The article quotes a United States Senator on the additional vehicles:
“All of those other models suffered from an eerily and strikingly similar malfunction that caused death and casualties. There’s no logical or factual reasons that those victims should be excluded.”
Injured Drivers or Passengers May Be Entitled to Compensation
Automakers have a duty to make vehicles that are reasonably safe for people to drive. If an automaker fails to fulfill this duty, and the vehicle causes injury, the automaker could be held liable for the damages that may result.
Drivers or passengers who have been injured in accidents caused by a defective car part may be entitled to compensation, including loss of income or ability to work, past and future medical expenses, and past and future pain and suffering from an injury. Family members of those killed may be able to pursue claims for their loved one’s wrongful death, including loss of financial support of a loved one, loss of relationship, funeral expenses, and medical expenses that can be attributed to the loved one’s fatal injury.
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a GM ignition switch, contact Attorney Group today. We can answer your questions for free and without any obligation on your part. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated GM ignition switch attorney. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
