May 5, 2008 - MN Lawmakers Reach $38 Million Deal for Bridge Collapse Victims

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A $38 million compensation package was agreed upon for victims of a deadly bridge collapse in Minnesota on August 1, providing victims and their families relief above and beyond the amount for which the state is legally liable.

The package will offer those victims who were on the bridge when it collapsed up to $400,000, with an additional $12.6 million pool for victims who suffered the most severe injuries and losses. The bridge collapse was responsible for killing 13 people and injuring 145.

"This is what we've been fighting for the whole time," Kimberly Brown, who suffered injuries to her back, neck, and knee in the collapse, told reporters Friday. "For everything that everybody's been through, thank God that they have figured out a way to help everybody."

The Minnesota Legislature is expected to approve the deal on Monday and then it will be sent to Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The governor has dubbed the compensation package "needed relief and support" for victims and their families.

Victims who agree to accept the money are required to waive their right to sue the state and other government entities. However, they would still be allowed to sue other parties over the collapse.

The deal was the product of months of hearings and negotiations among Minnesota lawmakers. "We believe this is going to be an offer which the survivors would be well advised to accept," said Democratic Sen. Ron Latz, one of the negotiators.

Victims expressed gratitude for the compromise. Jennifer Holmes, whose husband, Patrick, died in the collapse, thanked lawmakers and indicated her intent to take the settlement in order to avoid the prolonged uncertainty of suing the state. "There is no way possible that we can get that day back," Holmes said. "Or get back what we have been through in losing our loved ones or going through numerous surgeries that people are still doing. But this does help in making sure that we have a safe future."

Helen Hausmann lost her husband, Peter, in the collapse. Her husband was the sole source of income for Helen and their four children, ages 8 to 17. "It's been so hard," she said. "Every day, little things he used to do, you find yourself doing it alone. Things we used to decide, I decide by myself. It's so hard. You once were a family of six; you're a family of five."

The Hausmanns have been living on the proceeds of Peter's life insurance policy, and the state’s compensation package will help the family immensely, her attorney said. "It will not make her whole," he said. "It is a remarkably positive step to keeping her nose above water as she pursues the other potential remedies."

The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating why the bridge collapsed. The victims’ lawsuits are on hold until the Board makes a final determination of the cause.