N001923
Thursday, January 17, 2002 9:09 AM
September 11th Compensation Fund
ATTENTION: Kenneth R. Feinberg, Special Master
Having sustained long term injuries in the terrorist attack on the U.S.
embassy in Beirut on April 18, 1983, I am concerned about the potentially
negative impact of certain elements of the September 11th Compensation on
some of the victims.
I ask that the following changes be considered.
1. Definition of seriously injured:
At present a person is required to be
in a hospital for ten-day before qualifying as seriously injured. One can
be seriously injured and be in the hospital for less than ten days. Loss of
the use of any part of the body is serious. A hairline fracture of the
spine is serious. Severe depression is serious. A more realistic
definition is needed.
2. Classification of emotional stress:
Posttraumatic stress is not covered
as a medical expense (but as pain & suffering). A great deal of literature
now exists on the biological components of PTSD and if not addressed
directly as a medical issue, victims may suffer needlessly at the time of
the attack and in years to come. The reality of PTSD needs to be named and
accepted as a medical condition.
3. Two-year time period: At present claims with the Fund must be filed
within two-years after the initial regulations are promulgated. For anyone
dealing with severe mental and psychological cal injuries, more time is
needed to make such a serious decision.
4. Illegal Aliens: Address the issue of how illegal aliens will benefit from
the Fund and assurances that they will not be deported.
I commend the legislation and Fund desire to address the question of
economic loss based on a prediction of a claimantıs future earnings. I
expect that a realistic amount will be allocated. Clearly everybody
suffered incredible loss, but the people at the low end of the economic
scale, have lost their ability to move up from poverty to a standard level
of living.
Individual Comment
Washington, D.C.