By the numbers: GM ignition switch death toll hits 100
May 11, 2015, 11:36 AM
The death toll from crashes caused by faulty ignition switches in 2.6 million older General Motors small cars has reached 100.
The number was updated Monday by attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who was hired by GM to compensate victims. It’s the first acknowledgement by the company that the defective switches have caused at least 100 deaths.
The switches can unexpectedly slip from the run to off position, shutting down the engine and knocking out power-assisted steering and brakes. GM has admitted knowing of the problem for at least a decade, yet it didn’t recall the cars until last year.
Here’s a by-the-numbers look at the ignition switch problem:
— 100: Number of death claims eligible for compensation from the fund administered by Feinberg as of May 8.
— 13: Number of deaths GM initially blamed on the switches, although it expected the toll to grow.
— 184: Number of injured people eligible for compensation.
— 626: Number of claims still under review by Feinberg.
— 4,342: Number of claims filed before Jan. 31 deadline.
— 1,799: Claims deemed not eligible for compensation.
— 1,633: Claims that were deficient or submitted without documentation.
— $1 million: The starting point for payments in death cases.
— 193: Number of compensation offers made so far in injury and death cases.
— 140: Number of offers accepted.
— 5: Number of offers rejected.
— 48: Number of offers still being considered.
— $200 million: Amount GM has paid via Feinberg as of March 31.
— $550 million: Amount GM has set aside to pay claims.
— $600 million: Maximum GM expects to pay via Feinberg.
— 144: Number of U.S. wrongful-death or injury lawsuits pending due to GM recalls.
— 63: Percentage of the older small cars recalled for faulty ignition switches that were repaired as of April 21.
— 75: Percentage of 2014 recall repairs GM expects to finish by the end of 2015.
Sources: Weekly report by Feinberg, GM first-quarter report filed with securities regulators.
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