N002145
Sunday, January 20, 2002 10:55 PM
OBJECTIONS TO THE INTERIM REGULATIONS
My ojbections to the interim regulations include:
With regard to ECONOMIC DAMAGES:
1. The special master has ARTBITARILY chosen to use outdated(1979), national
data to calculate potential earnings for individuals who were employed in 2
buildings in New York City. USE UP-TO-DATE, NEW YORK DATA TO CALCULATE
EARNINGS.
2. An individuals education and occupation should be considered when
calculating potential life-time earnings.
3. THE $230,000 CAP ON YEARLY EARNINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED. My son would have
reached these earnings at 25 years of age. Under the current guidlelines his
earnings will remain the same for the remaining 37 years until his projected
retirement age of 62.
4. The current $250,000 offering for non-economic damages is an insult when
you take into consideration the pain and suffering of those individuals in
this horrific event. Some jumped from the building, others died of smoke
inhalation, others burned, others were trapped in a burning building without
a way to escape and died when the building collapsed. TO USE THE AMOUNT OF
$250,000 BECAUSE THOSE GUIDELINES ARE USED FOR THE MILITARY IS A JOKE. THESE
INDIVIDUALS WERE CIVILIANS WORKING IN MANHATTEN, NOT MILITARY PERSONNEL.
With regard to the pain and suffering of the vicitims families, it is
continuous. We have had a memorial service on Sept. 28, a burial of very
limited remains our 24 year old son, on Dec. 22nd and we were contacted on
Jan 22nd regarding additional remains. How does a family escape the
continuous pain and suffering we feel? How does our family "come to closure"
as we anticipate additional remains? How do I protect my deceased sons
younger brothers? We are bombarded with ongoing pictures on tv, the
newspapers, magazines, and constant discussion of the event. It is expected
that identifications will continue anywhere from 5-10 years.
In similar airline litigation, awards range from $2 million - $20 million
dollars. If we are unable to litigate, awards should be a minimum of 1 - 2
million, WITHOUT OFFSETS APPLIED.
5. I disagree with the process. All families should be notified in writing
what the minimum compensation is BEFORE they waive their right to litigate.
6. Overall, the interim regulations MINIMIZES ALL INDIVIDUALS COMPENSATION.
Economists report in the case of all 22 -50 year old individuals in the
securities business, their compensation based on potential earnings is
devalued 100% , individuals with a bachelors degree or more is devalued by
30%, a firefighter or policeman is devalued by 27%.
All I ask is for the special master to be fair and honest. If you're
calculating potential earnings, CALCULATE TRUE POTENTIAL EARNINGS. If you
are making a reward for pain and suffering, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE TRUE
PAIN AND SUFFERING THESE INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES ENDURED. Remember
these individuals who lost their lives at work that day
were hardworking, taxpaying individuals who contributed significantly to our
economy. Compensate their families appropriately, as Congress intended.
Individual Comment