GM Fund Approves 36th Death Claim Tied to Ignition Switch

Kenneth Feinberg

The compensation fund for victims of defective ignition switches in General Motors Co. cars has accepted a 36th death claim linked to the component.

The GM fund, which is managed by attorney Kenneth Feinberg, began accepting claims in August. Two weeks ago he said the program would extend the cutoff date for applications by one month to the end of January.

GM initially estimated 13 fatalities were due to the flawed switches. The devices can be jogged by a bump in the road into turning off the engine, thereby cutting power for the steering, brakes and airbag systems.