W000548
Sunday, November 25, 2001 9:39 PM
September 11 Victim Compensatiom Fund of 2001
Dear Mr. Zwick,
First and foremost I would like to begin by saying that I lost my
husband in this horrific attack and that I will make sure that he will
never be forgotten. He loved and was loved by many. He was the light of
my live and the best thing that has ever happened to me.
The following are comments regarding the September 11th Victims
Compensation Fund of 2001:
(1) I think there should be a SIMPLE form to fill out instead of
appearing before a Special Master (don't like the term) I think it is a waste of government monies and a very difficult task for us as victims to testify or appear before a Special Master. I know I speak on behalf of many families when I say the paperwork and form filing have been monumental task thus far on state, local and federal levels. We have been through enough emotionally. We are not charity cases. Why should we have to grovel for money. These people went to work everyday to ensure that we live in a democratic society.
(2) A formula needs to be implemented. I think every family should
receive the same amount of money for pain and suffering. In terms of economic loss, I think the deceased salary should be averaged over the past 2 to 3 years and then multiplied by his/her work/life expectancy . If a formula is unattainable, then we should have the right to appeal.
(3) Definitions need to be clarified and made clear to the layman. For
example, what does the term claimant mean? At one point the document states that " the term claimant means an individual filing a claim for compensation under section 405(a)(1)" and in another section it states that the claimant " is an individual who was present at the WTC, the Pentagon... and suffered harm or death as a result of such an air crash... or in the case of the decedent... the personal representative of the decedent who files a claim on behalf of the decedent." It is very confusing.
(4) Therefore, one cannot tell who the pain and suffering should be
attributed to. Does pain and suffering mean the deceased final moments of pain and suffering or the family's pain and suffering?
(5) We should not waive our rights to other civil actions before knowing the settlement .
(6) What are the qualifications of the Special Master?
(7) The term "collateral source" should not include life insurance,
pension funds or 401K plans. Furthermore, it should not include any monies recovered from the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001.
(8) What about Osama Bin Laden's frozen assets? His assets should not
be tied up in any legislative package. We should be entitled to those monies free and clear of any government settlement.
In conclusion, I think these comments as well as those before and after
me need to be taken into consideration before I even consider settling
with the government. I share the same thoughts as many family members
out there who have been through this same nightmare, we will never be
the same people as we were on September 10th, 2001. I would give up
everything and anything for my life to be restored to that state of
happiness and well being.
Respectfully Yours
Individual Comment
Grieving Widow
New York, NY