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" At least 13 deaths have been connected to faulty ignition switches in General Motors vehicles. Despite having knowledge of the problem as early as 2001, GM waited until 2014 to recall millions of affected cars, an action (or lack thereof) that has brought the automaker\u2014bailed out of bankruptcy by the federal government in 2009\u2014under intense scrutiny from Congress, state attorneys, various plaintiffs&amp;#039; attorneys, and the public at large.  RELATED: GM recalls every current-generation Chevy Camaro  As investigations and various lawsuits continue to move forward, Kenneth Feinberg, the compensation expert hired by General Motors to determine how to handle settlements related to ignition-switch-related deaths and injuries, has announced the payment formula and protocols that the automaker will follow. For each death, the victims&amp;#039; families will receive at least $1 million, plus $300,000 for each spouse and dependent left behind. Additional funds based on lost earnings will also be added. RELATED: GM&amp;#039;s 2014 recall total surpasses 20 million vehicles in North America Likewise, individuals who have suffered grievous, debilitating injuries will be eligible for substantial payouts based on lifetime medical costs and lost earnings potential.  Finally, victims who suffered less serious injuries are also eligible for compensation starting at $20,000 for outpatient treatment or a single-night hospital stay. The amount of compensation rises depending on the number of additional overnight hospital stays required. RELATED: GM hit with $35 million fine in NHTSA recall probe settlement GM will not cap the amount of money it pays out to victims who accept the settlement, nor will it hide behind the bankruptcy terms to deny eligibility to any parties who were affected by, or involved in, ignition-switch-related accidents in the pre-bailout/bankruptcy &amp;quot;Old GM&amp;quot; era. In fact, the program allows claimant eligibility for consumers involved in ignition-switch-related accidents through the end of 2014. In order to be eligible, the claimants must demonstrate that they were in one of the affected vehicles (detailed in the protocol, which is posted in its entirety below) and also prove that the airbags did not deploy. RELATED: GM ignition-switch recall video hardly inspires confidence As reported by The New York Times, proof of the latter is not limited to evidence logged by the vehicles&amp;#039; data recorders. Other sources like police reports, accident-scene photos, and even historical service records can be presented. GM released a statement from CEO Mary Barra in conjunction with Feinberg&amp;#039;s announcements: We are pleased that Mr. Feinberg has completed the next step with our ignition switch compensation program to help victims and their families. We are taking responsibility for what has happened by treating them with compassion, decency and fairness. To that end, we are looking forward to Mr. Feinberg handling claims in a fair and expeditious manner. Full compensation program details are posted at the dedicated website, GMIgnitionCompensation.com. The compensation protocol is posted in its entirety below.  GM Ignition Compensation Program - Final Protocol "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a8262/gm-to-pay-at-least-1-million-per-ignition-switch-related-death/>