GM Extends Ignition-Switch Deadline as Death Toll Rises

General Motors Co. will extend until Jan. 31 the deadline for victims of its flawed ignition switches to submit claims for compensation. The previous cutoff was Dec. 31.

The fund has now approved claims related to 33 fatalities linked to the defect, which can abruptly turn off a vehicle's engine and disable its airbags.

Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney heading the compensation program, says the extension was implemented out of "an abundance of caution" to make sure all eligible claims are received.