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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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$100K Virginia Tech Offer Slammed as 'Insult' to Victims

Proposed settlement aims to head off lawsuits over university massacre

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(Newser) – The state of Virginia is offering $100,000 to each family of the 32 students and teachers killed by a lone gunman in the Virginia Tech massacre, the Virginian-Pilot reports. If accepted, the settlement would prevent families from suing the state for negligence. One attorney called the offer "for a human life an insult, an absolute insult."

Families of some of the victims of the deadliest school shooting in American history blame Virginia Tech for failing to adequately warn or protect people after the rampage began. The state's proposed settlement also offers to pay medical and counseling costs for survivors, and would allow family members to personally quiz the governor and university officials about the tragedy.

New York Yankees' Derek Jeter, center, looks over the memorial for the April 16th shooting victims on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
New York Yankees' Derek Jeter, center, looks over the memorial for the April 16th shooting victims on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Tuesday, March 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Some of the 32 candles that were lit Thursday, April 19, 2007, in honor of those who lost their lives in the Virginia Tech shootings are seen during a memorial service.
Some of the 32 candles that were lit Thursday, April 19, 2007, in honor of those who lost their lives in the Virginia Tech shootings are seen during a memorial service.   (AP Photo)
A Virginia Tech hat is seen with a message at the makeshift memorial on the campus in Blacksburg, Va., Sunday, April 22, 2007.
A Virginia Tech hat is seen with a message at the makeshift memorial on the campus in Blacksburg, Va., Sunday, April 22, 2007.   (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Virginia Tech students view the makeshift memorial on the campus in Blacksburg, Va., Tuesday, April 24, 2007.
Virginia Tech students view the makeshift memorial on the campus in Blacksburg, Va., Tuesday, April 24, 2007.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Flowers and beads grace one of the 33 stones placed near a makeshift memorial in front of Burruss Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., in this April 20, 2007, file photo.
Flowers and beads grace one of the 33 stones placed near a makeshift memorial in front of Burruss Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., in this April 20, 2007, file photo.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)
A Lunch Box key ring adorns an American flag at the memorial for the slain students in front of Burruss Hall on the Virginia Tech Drillfield in Blacksburg, Va., Wednesday, May 9, 2007.
A Lunch Box key ring adorns an American flag at the memorial for the slain students in front of Burruss Hall on the Virginia Tech Drillfield in Blacksburg, Va., Wednesday, May 9, 2007.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Visitors walk past the makeshift memorial for the Virginia Tech shooting victims on the Drillfield of the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va., Wednesday, June 13, 2007.
Visitors walk past the makeshift memorial for the Virginia Tech shooting victims on the Drillfield of the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va., Wednesday, June 13, 2007.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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