Zoeller
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) - Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said last week the state will pay $5 million to victims of the State Fair stage collapse.
The Aug. 13 collapse occurred between live performances by singer Sara Bareilles and country band Sugarland. The above-stage fly system was hit by a high-velocity wind gust. Seven people died and dozens were injured.
"We want to move to pay the full $5 million that the state's law allows as soon as an equitable formula can be devised," Zoeller said in a statement Wednesday.
"My goal is to focus on the needs of victims and their families while minimizing the expense of lengthy and costly litigation."
Fair and state officials also announced last week plans to pay victims of the stage collapse from another relief fund, with money donated by individuals and private businesses.
Zoeller's office has not revealed who is eligible for payments or when exactly the money will be disbursed.
Bryan Corbin, a spokesman with the Attorney General's Office, said Monday that the settlement protocol is "still being developed."
Kenneth Feinberg has agreed to consult with Zoeller's office on paying claims associated with the State Fair tragedy. Feinberg was the administrator of victim compensation funds after 9/11 and the BP oil spill.
He will serve as consultant to Zoeller on developing the protocol for resolving claims filed against the state. He has agreed to consult at no charge.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.