GM admits at least 19 deaths linked to faulty ignition switch

General Motors will pay compensation to the families of 19 people who died in crashes linked to its faulty ignition switches, according to the lawyer overseeing the process.

GM had previously admitted 13 deaths were caused by the now recalled part.

• GM puts $400M in fund for ignition-switch deaths, injuries

• GM will pay 'whatever it costs' to compensate ignition switch victims

Ken Feinberg is still reviewing claims of death and injury that occurred because of ignition switches installed in 2.6 million GM cars that could slip out of the "run" position, causing them to stall and disabling the airbags.

Feinberg, an attorney hired by GM as an impartial ruler on the compensation process, released a public report Monday.

A Quebec man — Dany Dubuc-Marquis — was the sole Canadian among 13 other victims originally accepted by GM as victims of the ignition switch fault.

No names released

Feinberg has not released the names of those now being considered for compensation.

He said many cases were still under review or required further documentation. A spokeswoman said there will certainly more accepted.

Members of Congress and safety advocates had criticized GM for acknowledging only 13 deaths.

More than 125 claims have been made that are related to GM's faulty part. Another 300 people have filed injury claims. New cases could come forward as the final deadline is Dec. 31 of this year. 

The victims' fund deputy administrator, Camille Biros, said expanding the number to 19 is a result of taking more evidence into account, such as photos of a crash.

"The standard that GM used for their determination was an engineering standard. We have a much more liberal standard that we are applying," Biros said.

No dollar amounts on claims

Biros said Feinberg's office has not yet determined the dollar amounts of compensation. The offers are expected to be high in order to persuade beneficiaries from filing a lawsuit against GM.

Biros would not say how many claims have been rejected.

Some plaintiffs' lawyers said they are waiting to see what kinds of offers GM will present to victims and families before submitting new claims.

Plaintiffs' attorney Lance Cooper said he has continued to hear from potential clients "wherein someone died as a result of an accident that appears to be related to the defect."

GM recalled 2.6 million Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5s, Saturn Ion, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky vehicles worldwide to repair ignition switches.

The company estimated the cost of compensating victims at $400 million US, but says it could rise to $600 million.