N002546
January 18, 2002
Mr. Kenneth L. Zwick
Director, Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Mr. Zwick,
I am writing on behalf of my cousin, , whose
husband, , was murdered in the attack on the
World Trade Center. She is resting for a few days after having
her and baby boy, .
As you know, the Special Master Ken Feinberg, has established
a system of "Presumptive Guidelines" in determining awards
under the Fund. In doing this the seems to be in direct
contridiction to the intent of the Statute passed by Congress
and signed by the President. He has created a one size fits
all grid that does not allow for a case by case review and
penalizes the families whose loved ones had life insurance,
pensions, etc. The amounts set aside for pain and suffering
are an insult to the families left in the wake of this tragedy.
The airlines and their lobby were at work on September 12th
to get Federal handouts, reduce their exposure, and limit
their liability. The victims were given a "take it or leave
it" offer as part of this package. This is not fair.
I respectfully ask for your help correcting the inherent
lack of fairness in the following areas:
Non-economic damage being set at $250,000
Compensation levels being capped at $231,000
Methods used to formulate income tables
The value of life insurance, pensions, etc., being deducted
System used to formulate presumed income tables
The terrorists murdered their loved ones and now it seems
that the Government is adding insult to injury with the
methods being used and the amounts of money being offered.
Please do all you can to help remedy this situation.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
West Fairfield, NJ