P000624
BELFORD, NEW JERSEY
March 5, 2002
United States Department of Justice
Victims Compensation Fund Program
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Main Building, Room 3136
Washington, D.C. 20530
Attn.: Honorable Kenneth R. Feinberg,
Special Master
Dear Special Master Feinberg:
This office has received several inquiries with regard to the
Final Rules of the Victims Compensation Fund.
There is a concern that, parents of married children who were
victims, have no standing to collect under the Fund.
Many of these parents suffered as grievous a loss as the spouses
and children of the victims. Several parents witnessed the
horrific incident either via television, or were in the area of
the tragedy.
It is my understanding that should surviving relatives accept
payment from the Fund that they mustwaive their rights to bring
suit against the airlines.
Many of the parents of the married victims have suffered extreme
emotional distress as a result of being witness to this tragic
event.
Should the parents of the married victims be denied compensation
from the Fund, they would not have waived their right to bring
suit against the airlines.
It is certain that such a suit by the parents of the married
victims would defeat the purpose of the Fund, which was created
to shield the airlines and their insurance carriers.
I respectfully request your response as to the status of this
unique group of parents, so that I may advise them as to the
Fund's position with regard to this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Individual Comment
BELFORD, NJ