Most families of Va. Tech shooting victims settle

Most families of victims of the mass shootings at Virginia Tech have agreed to an $11-million state settlement that will compensate families that lost loved ones, pay survivors’ medical costs, and avoid a court battle over whether anyone besides the gunman was to blame.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday a “substantial majority” of families of victims of the Virginia Tech shootings agreed to the settlement.

Peter Grenier and Douglas Fierberg, who represent 21 families, said the settlement was worth more than $11 million, but neither they nor the governor would discuss its terms until final papers are drawn in a few days.

Grenier and Fierberg said that seriously injured victims “will be well compensated and have their healthcare needs taken care of forever,” and that families that lost loved ones would be “similarly compensated and cared for.”

“We want to make sure the settlement is fiscally responsible for the commonwealth,” Kaine said, “but it’s kind of a fair balance of a variety of interests.”

Kaine called the agreement “very positive,” but noted that families that had not agreed to it still could file suit. Notice must be filed by Wednesday.

Seung-hui Cho, a mentally disturbed student, killed 32 people and wounded two dozen more at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, before committing suicide. Forty families had previously filed notice with the state that they might sue.