A000074
Wednesday, November 28, 2001 1:03 PM
VictimCompensation
Dear Mr. Zwick...
On September 11, 2001, my youngest son , along with thousands of
others,was killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The
pain of his loss and subsequent grief has been incredibly difficult to bear
as I am certain you can understand. I am continuously haunted by the thought
that he suffered a harrowing death by fire , unable to escape from the 104th
floor of WTC1.
I do understand the need to resolve the issue of compensation to
avoid prolonged litigation which could potentially have long term economic
effects on our country . I also believe that the Victim Compensation Bill
addresses these issues perfectly. For it to work effectively though, I
believe it must be applied equally, simply and non-discriminately.
My suggestions are, as follows:
1. The amount of the Settlement should be set ? the same for every
applicant, no discretionary decisions . All of us are suffering the same
grief regardless of our position in life. Arbitrary decisions made on a
?case by case? basis will only require us to hire attorneys to write our
appeals to insure that our cases are pleaded properly. What will happen to
those who do not have the funds to afford a top lawyer? A pre-determined
offer of settlement based on relationship would also eliminate need for
appeal. Take it or leave it.
2. Insurance and other payments should play no role in determining
amount of settlement. To do otherwise would require the submission of reams
of documentation . The loss of life and subsequent pain and suffering is the
same for all of us.
3. Most important, please try to keep a simple, uncomplicated process.
We have already been through so much, I can?t believe any of us want to
endure a long, discretionery process.
Thank you for concern.
Individual Comment