Death Toll From GM Ignition Switches Rises To At Least 50

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

DETROIT (CBSMiami/AP) — The number of people who have died in crashes involving General Motors cars with defective ignition switches has risen.

The totals were updated to 50 Monday by Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, hired by GM to compensate victims.

With five days before the deadline to file claims, Feinberg has received 338 death claims and 2,730 for injuries.

So far he's deemed a total of 50 deaths and 75 injuries eligible for compensation.

GM knew about faulty ignition switches in Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars for more than a decade but didn't recall them until February. The switches can slip out of the "on" position, which causes the cars to stall, knocks out power steering and turns off the air bags.

Feinberg will accept claims until Jan. 31.

The number of people who have died in crashes involving General Motors cars with defective ignition switches has risen.

The totals were updated to 50 Monday by Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, hired by GM to compensate victims.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)