General Motors’ extension of the GM ignition switch compensation fund program deadline until Jan. 31 is being criticized by representatives of hundreds of ignition switch claimants who say this extension still does not give consumers sufficient time to produce all the documents necessary to support their claims.

GM’s ignition switch fund was established to provide compensation for consumers who were injured or killed in GM vehicles that had the ignition switch defect, including Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and other GM makes and models, 2.59 million of which were recalled at the beginning of this year.

The GM ignition compensation fund eligibility extension has come on the heels of GM recognizing an increased number of deaths connected to the ignition switch defect, from one death to 33 deaths and five injuries to 39.

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal has commented on GM’s deadline extension, stating the automaker should “reconsider and substantially modify — if not eliminate — these arbitrary compensation fund deadlines. I commend and appreciate the spirit that is reflected in extending the deadline, but the practical effect is inadequate.”

He goes on to detail how ignition switch defect victims must have sufficient time to make a meaningful choice between pursuing their personal injury claims in federal court or foregoing their legal rights and accepting compensation from the GM fund.

One attorney who is currently representing well over 100 clients in GM ignition switch defect lawsuits has also given his opinion on the compensation deadline extension and has also stated that it is not enough and has proposed that the automaker extend the deadline to a full year. According to the plaintiffs’ attorney:

“Given the number of vehicles affected, as well as the number of years we are dealing with, the process of making sure all victims have been notified simply cannot happen in five short months — even if GM’s notification process was adequate … which it is not. To close the fund this quickly suggests that GM is more concerned with prematurely moving away from this debacle rather than honestly owning up to its wrongdoing.”

Based on reports from the compensation program, over half of the already submitted 2,100 ignition switch claims do not have accompanying documentation. Without supporting documents, some of the most serious injury and fatality claims linked to the GM ignition switch defect will be rejected. More time may be needed for plaintiffs and potential Class Members to acquire the necessary documents to validate their ignition switch injury or death claim.

GM Ignition Switch Recall

Based on the allegations brought forth in the thousands of GM lawsuits filed during the last year, many GM vehicle owners and lessees were severely, or even fatally, injured by the faulty ignition switch design. According to consumer claims, the ignition switch will move out of the on position while in drive.

Once this occurs, the car is virtually impossible to maneuver and very dangerous on the road. Additionally, because of the ignition switch defect turns off the engine, it also disables safety features like airbag deployment, leaving drivers and passengers without protection from a potential accident.

The recalled vehicles found to have the alleged ignition switch failure and are covered by GM compensation fund include:

• Chevrolet Cobalt, 2005-2010
• Chevrolet HHR, 2006-2011
• Pontiac Pursuit, 2003-2007
• Pontiac Solstice, 2006-2010
• Pontiac G5, 2007-2010
• Saturn Ion, 2003-2007
• Saturn Sky, 2007-2010
• Opel/Vauxhall GT, 2007-2010
• Daiwoo G2X, 2007-2009

Many individuals and families of individuals who were hurt or killed because of the ignition switch defect have filed GM ignition switch lawsuits or have joined GM ignition switch defect class action lawsuits.