N001977
Friday, January 18, 2002 10:55 AM
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001
January 18, 2002
Via Electronic Mail & Regular Mail
Mr. Kenneth L. Zwick
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
RE: World Trade Center Disaster
Dear Mr. Zwick,
My 22-year old son, , was a passenger on American
Airlines Flight 11 on September 11, 2001. We all know what happened that
fateful day. Let me say that my life, and the lives of my family have been
forever changed. Words cannot describe that pain and anguish that we have
suffered. My son had always lived with me. I miss his presence in my home.
I miss his telephone calls to work. I miss him! He was kind and tender,
strong and determined. He was full of life. He had become a bright young
man starting out in life. His tragic death has robbed us of so many plans
and hopes for the future.
I have had an opportunity to review the regulations regarding the
administration of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. I do
not believe that they capture the purposed or intent of the statute which is
to provide compensation for the economic and non-economic losses suffered by
each claimant based upon the individual facts and circumstances of each
claim. I also do not believe that limits, caps, or predetermined amounts
were intended in this statute. Every case is, and should be, separate and
individual.
It is evident that families will have to demonstrate extraordinary
circumstances in order to obtain an award in excess of the predetermined
amounts set out by the Special Master. Additionally, the Special Master has
established a two-hour time limit on hearings related to the extraordinary
circumstances. I am not an attorney, but I feel that the Special Master has
come up with limits, caps, extraordinary circumstances and other such
limiting factors in the regulations in order to limit awards from the fund.
I sincerely do not feel that this was the intention of the statute.
Haven't the families suffered enough? Day to day life is very
difficult for the families. We are all trying to go on with our lives.
Please support us. Remove caps and limiting language from the regulations.
Treat each claim individually. Given the horrific circumstances, I feel it
is your duty.
Please feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Wakefield, MA