GM Ignition Switch Death Toll Rises To 42

(RTTNews) - General Motors Co. (GM), the largest U.S. automaker, on Monday raised the total number of deaths eligible for compensation related to the company's defective ignition switches to 42, after four more deaths were found eligible in the past week.

According to the latest report released by Kenneth Feinberg, who was hired by GM to independently administer a compensation program for the victims, it has so far been determined that 42 deaths, seven crippling injuries such as brain damage and 51 other injuries were eligible for payment.

The total number of claims received by GM Ignition Compensation Claims Resolution Facility has reached 2326, including 251 related to deaths. The latest report said 34 death related claims are under review.

The Facility began accepting claims on August 1. Last month, Feinberg, extended the claim filing deadline by a month to January 31, 2015.

GM has recalled 2.6 million vehicles since February over problems with the ignition switch.

The Detroit, Michigan-based automaker is under investigation by U.S. Congress, regulators and the U.S. Justice Department over issues related to the faulty ignition switch.

GM shares are currently trading at $31.06, down 51 cents or 1.62%.