N001557
Sunday, January 13, 2002 9:25 PM
Concerns over victim compension fund
Dear Mr. Kenneth Feinberg:
I am , sister to , whose husband died evacuating people from the south tower of the World Trade Center. I called her at school as she is a third grade teacher and told her I had just heard while at work that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Her son, , had the opportunity to call his father and tell him to get out of the building. He replied to him that he was evacauting people and then would leave the building He was not a firefighter or police officer but a of the World Trade Center. I will never forget the pain, sorrow or suffering that I witnessed in their eyes in the weeks to come. His remains have still not been found.
I feel the format and formulas that have been developed to compensate or make whole this family will be and others like them inadequate. He is one of the higher wage earners and therefore the way it presently stands, his family will be given little or nothing from the victims compensation fund. This family deserves more than that.
If had died some other wrongful death, his family would have allowed much more. Life insurance benefits, workers compensation and retirement accounts would not be affected.
I suggest that further consideration be given to increasing the non-economic loss or eliminate the collateral sources from the award. I also feel that the amount of the award should be known prior to waiving any rights to sue the airlines or anyone else deemed responsible. I don't think anyone should make a decision not knowing the full impact of that decision. Furthermore it is my understanding that the government has rights to subrogate against the persons responsible. So the government may be able to be reimbursed for any monies paid to the victims families.
I'd also like you to know that was an outstanding citizen in his community, always helping in the time of need, along with my sister . This family of five deserves better than this.
Thanks for you time and energy in regard to this matter. I do hope that you'll reconsider, Under the present arrangement, it forces families to enter into litigation against any and all responsible.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment