In 2014, General Motors announced the recall of more than 2.6 million vehicles due to faulty ignition switches. The faulty switches, which could be accidentally knocked out of the run position, disconnecting power to the engine and power steering systems, led to multiple automobile accidents. GM’s faulty ignition switches have been linked to 124 deaths and 275 injuries. 258 injuries were minor, requiring outpatient treatment or hospitalization in the 48 hours following the accident. 17 injuries were serious, causing permanent brain damage, burns, double amputation, quadriplegia, and paraplegia.

Attorney Kenneth Feinberg was retained by GM to independently compensate victims of automobile crashes caused by the faulty ignition switches. $625 million was set aside by GM to compensate victims. The payout for wrongful death claims is one million for the deceased and $300,000 for each surviving spouse and dependent. Severe injury claim payouts differ, and may exceed payouts for wrongful death claims. Payouts for minor injury claims vary based on the length of hospitalization, and range from $20,000 to $500,000.

A total of 4,343 injury and wrongful death claims were received by Feinberg’s office. Upon completing the review of all claims, 3,944 were determined to be ineligible for compensation. This amounts to a rejection rate of approximately 90 percent. A GM spokesperson was not available to comment regarding the situation, nor was a representative from Feinberg’s office.

If you have been injured or your loved one was killed due to a faulty GM ignition switch, contact an injury lawyer Silver Spring MD at Goldberg Finnegan to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney today, free of charge. Our legal team is dedicated to holding negligent manufacturers responsible for the damage their faulty products cause, and recovering the compensation our clients deserve. It would be our pleasure to assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation.