May 29, 2008 3:58 pm US/Central
3 Attorneys Named To Award Aid To Bridge Victims
ST. PAUL (AP) ―
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The Legislature approved $36 million for settlement payments to victims who waive their right to sue state or local governments. (File)
CBS
Three Twin Cities lawyers make up a special panel determining how much state money victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse will get.
Minnesota Chief Justice Russell Anderson has appointed Susan Holden to chair the special masters panel that will also include attorneys Steven Kirsch and Michael Tewksbury.
The Legislature approved $36 million for settlement payments to victims who waive their right to sue state or local governments.
Everyone who was on the bridge when it fell qualifies for up to $400,000 and those whose injuries and losses were more severe could get additional money from a supplemental funding pool.
The special panel will receive up to $750,000 for its work. The members will consider applications for money from the compensation fund and decide how much they believe victims or their surviving relatives should get.
Those trying to access the fund can reject their offer and go to court instead.
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The original I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River opened in November 1967 and was 1,907 feet in length. The replacement bridge opened in September 2008 and measures 1,216 feet in length.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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