What a Deal: Virginia Tech Victims Worth One-Fourth of Minnesota Victims

Minnesota lawmakers in St. Paul have announced a tentative settlement deal with the victims of the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge collapse that killed 13 people. The deal would cost $38 million with each victim receiving $400,000. What is most striking is the fact that the state of Virginia has used its highly restrictive laws to force victims of Virginia Tech to receive a maximum of $100,000. Both states were accused of negligence. Thus, it would appear that it is simply a bargain to kill Virginians rather than Minnesotans.

What is most striking is the response of legislators in Minnesota. Since the state had a $1 million-per-incident liability cap, they proposed an amendment to waive the liability cap. The legislators, however, wanted to spare the victims of having to litigate to get such compensation.

For a prior entry on the response of Virginia, click here. While some legislators have suggested lifting the ridiculously low caps on liability, it did not help the victims who were pressured into low settlements. Click here.

For the full article, click here.