Death toll from GM ignition switches rises to at least 50

DETROIT (AP) -- At least 50 people have died in crashes involving General Motors cars with defective ignition switches.<br /> <br /> Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who was hired by GM to compensate victims, updated the totals Monday.<br /> <br /> With five days before the deadline to file claims, Feinberg has received 338 death claims and 2,730 for injuries.<br /> <br /> So far he's deemed a total of 50 deaths and 75 injuries eligible for compensation.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Feinberg will accept claims until Jan. 31.