In an effort to head off future lawsuits stemming from the Virginia Tech shootings, the commonwealth has proposed a settlement available to all of the families of victims.
Each of the families has been offered a settlement of up to $100,000, in addition to medical and counseling expenses, if they give up their right to sue the commonwealth's government or Virginia Tech, according to Associated Press reports.
Families also would have the opportunity to meet with Virginia Tech officials and Gov. Tim Kaine to discuss legislation and campus policies related to the events of April 16, as well as to receive updates on the ongoing investigation from both campus and state police, according to the AP. Other features of the proposal include $800,000 reserved for the injured, with no more than $100,000 awarded to any individual, and the creation of a special damages fund to provide free medical, psychological and psychiatric care for victims and their immediate family members, according to the AP.
The families have until March 31 to accept the agreement and have been asked not to comment on the topic. State officials were also unable to comment, Attorney General spokesperson David Clementson said.
"Our office, along with the Governor's Office, has been in discussions with the families and their counsel for many months," he said. "In respect to the confidentiality agreement and the families, we will have no further comments."
Currently, more than 20 lawsuits related to the Virginia Tech shootings have been filed with the commonwealth, which offered the settlement to avoid future lawsuits, according to the AP. The families have until April 16 to file lawsuits unless they accept the settlement, AP sources said, as the date will mark the one-year anniversary of the shootings.
--compiled by Betsy Graves
Read More
Spanberger, Callsen and Laufer outline legislative priorities following election victories
By Brendon Bordwine | 3 hours agoAs the campaigns drew to a close following sweeping Democratic victories, attention now turns to how Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and Charlottesville-area Dels. Katrina Callsen and Amy Laufer will shape the future of Charlottesville in their upcoming terms, especially for students at the University.
UJC celebrates 70th anniversary, adjudicates 10 cases in case-heavy fall semester
By Grace Little | 3 hours agoThe University Judiciary Committee has adjudicated ten cases this semester and has 17 pending cases.
Students react to the results of the gubernatorial election
By Lidia Zur Muhlen | 23 hours agoStudents broadly expressed content with Spanberger’s win.
