Deadline approaching for survivors of I-35W bridge collapse to submit claims

Updated: September 18, 2008 - 10:13 AM

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The deadline is approaching for people who seek compensation from a special fund set up by the legislature last year to help victims of the Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge that collapse.

Claims must be submitted by Oct. 15, according to the legislation signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in May authorizing $37 million for survivors and family members of survivors who perished when the bridge went down on Aug. 1, 2007.

According to the law authorizing the compensation, a survivor is defined as "a natural person who was present on the I-35W bridge at the time of the collapse." A survivor also includes family members who survive a person who died in the collapse, or the legally recognized representative of a survivor, such as a parent or guardian of a survivor who is under 18 years old.

Claim forms are available at www.BridgeCollapseClaims.com or by calling the Office of the Special Master Panel at 651-485-1153.

A special panel composed of three attorneys experienced in the determination of damages in personal injury and wrongful death claims and the legal issues surrounding settlement of those claims will meet with claimants and review the claims. The panel will then make offers of settlement that they determine to be adequate or fair, and enter settlement agreements with survivors on behalf of the State of Minnesota.

TIM HARLOW