What is the value of life? Within 11 days since the 9/11 attack, the victims ‘victims’ compensation funds took up and ran, wrestle with this question.
Making this difficult decision – how much every victim will make a lifetime – is a special master of Kenneth Roy Feinberg, a lawyer who specializes in mediation and solving alternative disputes.
It was difficult, and it was painful, he told toi.
In 33 months he was a special master, Feinberg approved $ 7.1 billion for around 5,300 families.
The average compensation for death is around $ 2 million and an average physical injury to the claim of $ 400,000.
Funds do not discriminate based on citizenship – undocumented workers and foreign nationals are also compensated.
And Feinberg works pro bono.
The fund was created from the lawsuit law.
For 9/11 attacks, there are several potential lawsuits – fight airlines, WTC, private security companies.
“The victim’s compensation fund is, according to Congress, a better alternative because it also saves a family of five to 10 years in court, their battle reserves may not win,” Feinberg said.
“The law is clear in the US.
Compensation for each family is calculated by economic losses suffered by the death of the victim.
For example, a stockbroker produces more than a servant or police.
So, according to the American legal system, a stockbroker (or his family) gets more money .
“Does it look fair, respect life differently? “I won’t call it fair.
I don’t like using words like ‘fair’ or ‘justice’.
Money instead of a sufficient loss.
Mercy – it’s a better word and that’s the American legal system.
I would prefer to give every death With the same value – all the lives are the same.
“Two families have never litigated or choosing in funds.
“A pastor who lost you said it was God’s will.
And a 82-year-old woman was so paralyzed by sadness that she did nothing and let the funds end.” What made the job difficult, Feinberg said, was emotional.
“Emotionally deal with family in sadness – angry and frustrated – very difficult and weak.” Families will bring trinkets, diplomas, award medals, recording the last call to show the lives of missing people who are missing.
A Hollywood film was based on the struggle to compensate for the victims, starring Michael Keaton as Feinberg, released this week.
Funds, he said, unique.
“I believe this is a unique response to tragedy that has historically unprecedented.”