RICHMOND — Families of those killed in the mass shootings at Virginia Tech would receive $100,000 each under a settlement proposed by the state to prevent lawsuits, according to a relative of a Virginia Tech victim who received a copy of the proposal.
Medical and counseling expenses would be provided to the families of the 32 killed and dozens of surviving victims, and they would have the opportunity to question the governor and university officials about the shootings, according to the family member, who asked Monday to remain anonymous because those involved were told not to discuss the settlement.
Families were asked to say by March 31 whether they were comfortable with the proposal. If they agree, they cannot sue the state government, including Virginia Tech.
According to the family member, the proposed settlement states that participation by all claimants is necessary, and the state can withdraw the proposal if there is insufficient agreement among the parties.
In addition to the $100,000 payments to each of the families of the deceased victims, another $800,000 would be reserved for the injured, with a maximum of $100,000 to any person.
The proposal also would provide a Special Damages Fund to reimburse or advance expenses not covered by insurance for medical, psychological and psychiatric care for victims and their immediate families.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine would meet with victims and victims’ family members three more times over the next two years to review legislative and administrative actions taken in response to the shootings.
Victims and families also would be permitted to meet with senior Virginia Tech officials within six months of the settlement to ask questions and discuss changes made to the campus since the tragedy as well as memorial activities. They also would receive an update on the investigation from police.
In October, the families and surviving victims received payments ranging from $11,500 to $208,000 from the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, set up in the days following the April 16 shootings to handle donations that poured into the Blacksburg school.
The proposed settlement would keep the fund, which had been scheduled to close this past December, open to accept contributions for at least five more years.
Other family members contacted declined to comment.
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