GM’s Ignition-Switch Fund Reports 12% Upswing in Claims

The compensation program set up for victims of General Motors Co.'s defective ignition switches says it received 190 new claims last week. The new applications bring the total to 1,772 since the fund began taking claims on Aug. 1.

The program has so far received 196 claims of fatalities caused by the switches, which can unexpectedly shut off the engine, power steering, power brakes and airbag system.

The fund also is assessing 116 applications for compensation for catastrophic injury and 1,460 for lesser injuries that required hospitalization.

Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney who heads the fund, said earlier he expects a significant upswing in applications as the offer approaches a year-end cutoff.