N001550
Sunday, January 13, 2002 11:48 AM
Fwd: Fw: concerns over victim compensation fund
Dear Mr. Kenneth Feinberg,
I am writing to express my concerns over the victim's compensation fund.
Based on the current format of the distribution of the funds families will
be receiving minimal or no compensation from the government. It appears the
guidelines of the fund takes whatever possible measures to reduce the amount
of compensation awarded to the victims' families.The fund designed to
compensate the families of the victims, fails to take in an adequate account
for non - economical losses. Many families of victims award's are off-set by
the collateral sources reduction. If the total amount of collateral sources
families receive is greater than the total award for the economic losses than
the award for non - economic loss which is understood to be 250,000 is
deducted. This is where my great concern arises. I strongly urge you to
increase the non - economic damages to 1 million for all families. This fund
was designed to compensate families for economic losses as well as non
-economic losses such as pain and suffering, money under the current format,
I will not receive. Many families are not being compensated for pain and
suffering and would rather turn to the courts to get a fair compensation for
non economic losses such as the loss of the enjoyment of life. If the bill
pays awards next to nothing for the families it is leaving them with no other
choice than to pursue in a long drawn out case against the airlines to
adequately compensate for pain and suffering, doing exactly what the bill was
designed to prevent. If there was an increase in the award for non -
economical losses to adequately compensate for pain and suffering it would
please many families and save them a long process of litigation in the
courts.
In addition I believe that it is only fair and equitable that families have
the right to be fully informed of their compensation prior to officially
waving their right to litigate. Anything other is unjust and beneficial to
the airlines and the government.
Mr. Feinberg I truly thank you for your time and consideration of this
matter. I thank your efforts and all your work pertaining to the compensation
of the families of the victims. I hope you can realize the problems of the
bill that limits many families of their proper reward and be able to make
amendments that benefit the victims as opposed to the airlines. Any help
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment