Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Judge OKs $11M Settlement for Va. Tech Families

Quicker action could've saved lives, suit said

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 18, 2008 7:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Virginia judge yesterday approved an $11 million settlement with 42 families of those killed or injured in last year's Virginia Tech shootings, the Washington Post reports. The families sued after a panel concluded that lives might have been saved if the university contacted students immediately after the first shootings. Instead, 2.5 hours passed before an email warning was sent, just 10 minutes before the second rampage, which claimed 32 lives.

The settlement, which eliminates any further legal action, includes $100,000 and medical expenses for each family. Some families expressed dissatisfaction and called for further investigation into the state and university roles in the April 16, 2007, shootings. "This has nothing to do with money and everything to do with seeking the truth and complete accountability," said one parent of a slain student.  

The father of a Virginia Tech shooting victim speaks to media after a judge approved an $11 million state settlement, which will avoid a court battle over whether anyone but the gunman was to blame.
The father of a Virginia Tech shooting victim speaks to media after a judge approved an $11 million state settlement, which will avoid a court battle over whether anyone but the gunman was to blame.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Mona Samaha, holds back tears as she listens during a news conference with her husband Joseph, right, concerning the Virginia Tech settlement in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
Mona Samaha, holds back tears as she listens during a news conference with her husband Joseph, right, concerning the Virginia Tech settlement in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, June 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Andrew Goddard, father of wounded Virginia Tech student, Colin Goddard, comforts Suzanne Grimes, mother of injured student Kevin Sterne, during a news conference concerning the Virginia Tech settlement announced yesterday.
Andrew Goddard, father of wounded Virginia Tech student, Colin Goddard, comforts Suzanne Grimes, mother of injured student Kevin Sterne, during a news conference concerning the Virginia Tech settlement...   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Police ID Virginia Tech Gunman

Virginia Tech Shooter Changed Clothes to Escape

Virginia Tech Victim a Vet, Dad of 5

Virginia Tech Lockdown Over; Shooter Believed Dead

Gunman Kills 2 at Virginia Tech


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne