GM Offers at Least $1M for Each Death

General Motors announced Monday that the families of victims who died as a result of faulty ignition switches can file for compensation. Under the plan, GM will offer at least $1 million in compensation for each death. Kenneth Feinberg, who administered the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the BP Oil Spill Fund, will oversee the General Motors Ignition Compensation Fund. Feinberg said that filing for compensation “is purely voluntary” and stated that loved ones “are not required to sign away any of their rights to sue until and unless they are satisfied with what the fund offers.” People who were injured may also file for compensation, as well as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians hit by recalled vehicles. There will be no aggregate limit on funds awarded. Driving behavior that may have contributed to accidents, such as intoxication, speeding or texting, will not affect compensation evaluations.