GM launches compensation program for crash victims
Source: AP-Excite
By JEFF KAROUB
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors plans to launch a program to compensate crash victims or families affected by an ignition switch problem that is linked to at least 13 deaths in crashes of older GM cars.
The company said it expects the program will start accepting claims Aug. 1, but didn't specify how much money will be involved. Guidelines and other details will be developed in the coming weeks by compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg, GM said.
GM has recalled 2.6 million older small cars to repair the ignition switches. A report issued Thursday said it took GM more than a decade to issue the recall partly because employees improperly viewed the switch defect as a "customer satisfaction" issue instead of a safety problem.
GM announced the hiring of Feinberg in April. He previously handled the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund as well as funds for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and the BP oil spill.
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File-This Jan. 27, 2011, file photo shows Kenneth Feinberg, administrator of Gulf Coast Claims Facility, testifing before the Disaster Recovery Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. General Motors said Thursday, June 5, 2014, that it will launch a program to compensate crash victims or families affected by faulty ignition switches linked to at least 13 deaths that prompted a recall of 2.6 million older small cars. The fund will be administered by Feinberg. GM announced in April the hiring of Feinberg, who handled the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund as well as funds for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and the BP oil spill. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
