Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A court-appointed special master said in court Tuesday that he's reviewed what each of the Station nightclub victims is slated to get from the $176 million that's been offered to settle their lawsuits as well as what each of them may owe in attorney's fees and expenses.

The lawyer, William A. Poore, told U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Martin that by Nov. 23, he will file a report with the court with his analysis of the figures he's been presented, which will include his opinion regarding their fairness. Poore made this review to determine whether the amounts proposed for each minor who has lost support from a parent is being compensated equitably.

Poore told Martin that the victims' lawyers have agreed on using a "unified settlement sheet" for each client that breaks down awards by amount, attorney's fees and a pro-rata share of expenses.

The court must approve of these amounts before any of the money goes to the victims.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs declined Tuesday after court to reveal anything about the amounts of the proposed settlements, what they are charging for fees or what the expenses have been.

Sixty-five defendants, including the State of Rhode Island and the Town of West Warwick, have agreed to contribute $176 million to settle the federal lawsuits brought by more than 300 fire victims and their families, many of them minors. One hundred people died and more than 200 were injured in the Feb. 20, 2003, fire, the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history.

 Tags  Station nightclub fire; William A. Poore

Comments

Criminal Lawyer Vancouver said:

For minors, amazing!!!

Link | November 12, 2009 8:02 AM
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phil said:

300 people dead or injured and they offer 176 million? Are you kidding me.Sixty five defendants!thats 271 thousand per defendant.Of the dead or injured if they all got an equal share, that would only be approximatly 59 thousand each.Oh I'm sorry now you have to pay the lawyers. Good lord people, my heart goes out to you, you have been screwed.A woman goes to McDonalds , spills coffee on herself and is awarded millions and you guys get this!

Link | November 13, 2009 1:34 PM
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