GM ignition-switch death toll rises to 90

The death toll from General Motors’ defective ignition switch has risen by three from a week earlier to 90, the office administrating GM’s compensation fund said.

The office of attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who is overseeing victim compensation on GM’s behalf, approved 90 death claims and 163 injury claims as of April 24.

The 163 injury claims, six more than the prior week, are a combination of claims for serious injuries and claims for less severe injuries.

Eleven claims were categorized as serious injuries resulting in quadriplegia, paraplegia, double amputation, permanent brain damage or pervasive burn. The remaining 152 claims were for less serious injuries requiring hospitalization or outpatient medical treatment within 48 hours of the accident.

The deadline for victims to file claims was Jan. 31.

GM hired Feinberg last year to compensate victims after the automaker recalled 2.6 million vehicles with faulty ignition switches.

The defective switches can move from the “run” position, which would cut power to the power steering, brakes and airbags. A person seeking compensation must prove that the airbag did not deploy, and must show that the defective switch was the primary cause of the crash.

GM originally said it knew of 13 deaths linked to the defect.

Feinberg’s office received 4,342 claims. Of those claims, 253 have been deemed eligible. Feinberg’s office is still reviewing another 997 claims.