GM Figures Updated, 24 People Confirmed Dead In Ignition Switch Related Crashes

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) -- General Motor's victim fund chief Ken Feinberg has updated figures to indicate that 24 people have been killed in crashes involving faulty ignition switches -- an increase of one since last week. Also, 165 families have now filed for settlements, up 12 from a week ago.

Feinberg said he is still evaluating applications that haven't been certified -- or in some case, is seeking further documentation.

The five-month filing period that began in August is part of the fallout from General Motors' recall of 2.6 million small cars beginning in February.

That recall forced General Motors Corp. to acknowledge it knew about the defective switches for more than a decade and triggered a sweeping safety review that has resulted in a series of additional recalls.

Drivers, passengers and pedestrians killed or hurt by one of the defective GM vehicles can file a claim through Dec. 31.

GM has already absorbed a $400 million charge to cover the potential payments to be made by the fund.

The bills could run even higher because the fund has no cap. The Detroit-based company advised investors last month that it might have to set aside an additional $200 million to compensate the victims of its blunders.

For more information or to file a claim, visit www.GMIgnitionCompensation.com.

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