This past week, the 35W compensation panel, made offers to the families of those killed and also to those who were injured. This was a state fund that was created by the legislature of $36.4 million that those injured or who suffered loss were allowed to make claims. Back in October ,all of those who wanted to make these claims had to file with the panel.
Over the last couple of months, individuals and their attorneys have been making presentations to the panel covering what losses they have suffered. Many of these loses include bills that were not paid by health insurance , no fault insurance that was available, and gaps in wage loss/future loss of earning capacity.
Panel members have indicated that the fund is being distributed in a manner that will not fully compensate each person, but that no one was fully compensated. Each person will now have until April 16th to accept the amount. For those who accept the amount, they will be settling all claims with the government.
The fund was put together by the legislature and allowed for amount above the governmental liability limits that would have capped the available funds that would be received. In settling, the members will still be able to bring a claim against private companies that can be found liable. Hopefully, these amounts will be able to help fix some of the problems created with the August 1st, 2007 tragedy.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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