GM Ignition Flaw Deaths Up to 19, Expert Says; Could Go Higher

GM's ignition switch flaw has led to 19 deaths, an expert said Monday, adding that the number could go higher.

Kenneth Feinberg, a compensation expert hired by GM, issued a report that 125 claims of wrongful death due to the ignition switch problem have been received, The Associated Press reported. Many claims remain under review.

"The public report is simply reporting on those eligible to date," Feinberg spokeswoman Camille Biros told the AP. "There will certainly be others."

Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll

GM has recalled about 29 million cars with the faulty ignition switches and has admitted the company knew for at least 10 years there was a problem. For several months, GM has estimated the wrongful deaths associated with the switches at 13; some have estimated the total will be closer to 100.

More than 300 claims were received by GM for injuries, and Feinberg told the AP that 12 are eligible for payments. Feinberg will issue weekly reports updating the number of claims being paid.

"Already there are more deaths than GM said from day one," Feinberg told CNNMoney. "Of course there will be additional eligible deaths; how many is pure speculation, but there will be eligible death claims."

Feinberg told CNNMoney that four victims suffered serious injuries, including paralysis, brain damage, and other injuries. Compensation for injured victims ranges from $20,000 to $500,000, depending on the seriousness and the time spent in the hospital.

Families of those who died in accidents can receive up to $1 million.

Feinberg told CNN that many of the claims were from young people who were driving their first car.

The deadline for filing a claim is Dec. 31. GM estimated compensation will be around $400 million for the company, but that number could increase to $600 million.

Some questioned the discrepancy between GM’s estimates on those who died or were injured and what Feinberg is projecting. Feinberg told the AP that his parameters were different than those of the GM engineers who initially assessed the cases.

Urgent: Assess Your Heart Attack Risk in Minutes. Click Here.

Related Stories:

• GM Profit Sinks Under Cost of Recalls, Ignition Switch Liabilities
  
• GM Recalls 8.2 Million Cars, Bringing Total for 2014 to 29M Vehicles