On Monday, September 22, 2014, Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney overseeing GM’s program developed to compensate the victims of accidents caused by the company’s defective ignition switches, revealed that the death toll linked to the switches has risen. Thus far, 21 individuals are believed to have died as a direct result of General Motor Co.’s faulty ignition switches.
Since August 1st of this year, nearly 700 claims have been submitted for injuries or deaths said to be caused by the defective ignition switches. These claims are currently being processed. At the time of the most recent press release, 21 death claims have been deemed eligible for compensation. Another 16 claims have been accepted for serious physical injuries linked to the switches.
GM’s victim compensation program intends to continue to accept applications until December 31, 2014. Applications are being accepted on behalf of anyone injured or killed in an automobile accident that is believed to have been caused by the faulty ignition switches which spurred the recall of 2.6 million vehicles earlier this year. The ignition switches in question are reported to slip out of position, forcing the vehicle from “on” mode to “off.” This causes vehicles to stall and disables airbags. While 21 deaths have been confirmed to be caused by the switches, a total of 143 death claims have been submitted thus far. The number of confirmed accidents and deaths could well increase in coming months.
A spokesperson for GM has publically stated that the company’s goal with the victim compensation program is to reach as many possibly injured individuals as possible. Thus far, GM has accepted Feinberg’s award determinations and eligibility for compensation criteria.
Under the victim compensation program, the amount of compensation is not capped. Each eligible death claim will receive at least one million dollars. This figure could increase depending upon relevant factors, such as the existence of dependents or loss of substantial income due to the death. GM has allocated $400 million to cover the costs of compensating victims.
As GM continues to handle the victim compensation program, it also recently received news that it will face a lawsuit brought by the family of a Georgia woman who claims GM concealed critical evidence concerning the faulty ignition switches that lead to their relative’s death. In a hearing held in a Cobb County courthouse, the presiding judge denied GM’s motion to dismiss the suit.
The suit stems from an accident that actually occurred back in 2010. Brooke Melton died in a car accident when her Chevrolet Cobalt switched suddenly into accessory mode, forcing her vehicle to collide with another driver. Melton’s parents initially filed suit against GM in 2011 and reportedly settled for $5 million. Evidence that emerged as a result of the lawsuit proved critical in prompting the massive recall of the faulty ignition switches.
After the recall became public, the Meltons asked GM to withdraw the settlement on the basis of concealment of evidence. GM refused, and now faces another suit by the Meltons alleging both fraud and false inducements to settle.
Barrett Law PLLC: Assisting the Victims of the GM Recall
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that may have been linked to a faulty GM ignition switch, the Mississippi Defective Automobile Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. The deadline to apply to the victim’s compensation program is fast approaching. The attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will evaluate your accident and provide you with an assessment as to your ability to recover. We will then assist you in drafting and filing your claim in the strongest manner possible so that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.