GENERAL MOTORS INCREASES OUTLAYS FOR VICTIMS OF DEFECTIVE CARS

General Motors on Monday revised its compensation plan for victims of 2.6m defective compact cars, offering increased payouts to those who have already accepted out-of-court settlements and offering payments for any injuries in which air bags failed to deploy. Payments will now range from $20,000 to several million dollars for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles who can prove that they were injured in an accident involving a GM car that was recalled this year for faulty ignition switches. The family of a person who died in such a wreck would receive a payment of $1m, up from $750,000. People who already accepted out-of-court death settlements can re-file claims.