GM is prepared to pay billions of dollars to victims of vehicular accidents involving GM automobiles, as long as it can be proven that the accident was caused by a faulty ignition switch. So far, 13 deaths have been linked to defective ignition switches in the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion. Attorneys believe that wrongful death and injury cases, in relation to the ongoing ignition switch fiasco, could rise to the hundreds. To mitigate the situation, GM has announced that the company will not place a limit on remunerations paid to victims, especially those with serious injuries or from accidents resulting in death.
GM has no interest “in evaluating any alleged contributory negligence on the part of the driver,” said GM’s attorney, Kevin Feinberg. This includes victims who may have been driving under the influence, who were speeding, or who were not wearing seat belts.
Compensation paid to victims with less serious injuries will be determined on the basis of the length of time spent in the hospital. As aforementioned, those with more serious injuries, and the families of those who were fatally injured, will have no limit in compensation.
Claims can be filed from August 1 to December 31. Once filing is complete, payment is promised in 90 to 180 days. Only victims that were injured can file claims, and the crashes must be proven to be the result of the faulty ignition switch. Feinberg has encouraged victims to use auto repair paperwork, as well as police and insurance records, to back up their claims, given that many of the relevant accidents occurred many years ago. The caveat to GM’s settlement offer is that when victims (or family members to a victim) settle their claims with GM, they give up their right to sue the company. Finally, people who have already settled lawsuits in the past with GM are allowed to apply for more compensation.
If you have further questions on the claim process, or about wrongful death law, don’t hesitate in calling our office for more advice. Atlanta Office: (877) 285-7656 or Columbus: (877) 265-7656
How Pope McGlamry Can Help You with a Wrongful Death or Injury Claim in Atlanta, GA
Would you like legal advice on how to go about filing your claim against General Motors? If you are a victim of a small-car crash where you suspect the ignition switch to be at fault, we can be of assistance to you. Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison & Norwood, P.C. can provide comprehensive legal advice on how to create a strong claim to get the compensation you deserve.
If a member of your family has been seriously hurt or has died as a result of an accident caused by a faulty ignition switch, let our experienced wrongful death and injury attorneys help you. You are highly encouraged to look at our previous verdicts and settlements to peruse our track record. Contact us at our Atlanta, GA or Columbus, GA offices.
