Three attorneys appointed to panel on 35W bridge compensation

Last update: May 29, 2008 - 11:48 PM

Three metro-area attorneys were appointed Thursday to a panel considering special compensation for victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

Susan Holden will chair the panel, which will also include Steven Kirsch and Michael Tewksbury. They were appointed by state Supreme Chief Justice Russell Anderson.

The three will consider claims, make offers and enter into settlement agreements stemming from a $38 million fund set up by the Legislature to compensate bridge collapse victims.

Damages are capped at $400,000 per individual, but those who suffered extraordinary losses could receive more.

Victims accepting the money would release the state from all future claims related to the collapse.

The state, under the plan, would not admit to any liability. The panel attorneys will be paid from an appropriation totaling $750,000.

PAM LOUWAGIE

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