For Release: June 17, 2008
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Richmond- A Richmond circuit court judge today formally approved a settlement between the Commonwealth of Virginia and representatives of individuals killed in the tragic shootings that occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech in April of 2007.
Below is the official statement of Virginia Chief Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Chief Deputy Mims led the legal team that represented the Commonwealth in this matter, with the assistance of Lawrence Roberts, Counselor to Governor Tim Kaine, and Deputy Attorney General Maureen Matsen.
The thoughts and prayers of the Governor, the Attorney General, the President and Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech, and all citizens of the Commonwealth remain with the victims, their families, friends, and every member of the Virginia Tech community.
Statement of Chief Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
“The Commonwealth has settled 46 claims involving deceased victims and those with serious wounds and injuries resulting from the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
Today’s proceeding related to the claims filed by representatives of the deceased victims. There are 32 deceased victims of this tragedy. The representatives of two deceased victims elected not to file claims, and two claims presently are unresolved. Of the remaining 28 claims, requiring approval by the Richmond Circuit Court, 24 were brought forward today and accepted by the court. In all of these claims the court entered final orders or indicated an intention to do so once additional documentation is received. The remaining four claims will be brought forward on a date yet to be scheduled, pending completion of necessary documentation.
Under Virginia law the settlement of claims by injured parties do not require court approval. The 18 claims made by wounded or injured victims also have been resolved.
The Commonwealth has endeavored to meet the needs and concerns of the victims, including family members, through both monetary and non-monetary provisions. Details of these provisions for the families of the deceased can be found in the agreement template. The consolidated settlements presented to the Court today include the legal release of claims against the Town of Blacksburg, the New River Valley Community Services Board, and several counties.
On behalf of all involved, I want to express sincere appreciation to Judge Robert Harris, and John McCammon of The McCammon Group, without whom these settlements would not have occurred, and to Thomas Albro of Tremblay & Smith, LLP, for pro bono service above and beyond the call of duty. Also, the attorneys for the claimants have been diligent advocates and deserve thanks for their willingness to resolve complex and difficult claims without litigation.
On behalf of Governor Kaine, Attorney General McDonnell, President Steger, and our attorneys and staff I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims, including all family members and friends, of this devastating tragedy. We are professionals, and we represent the Commonwealth’s interests to the best of our abilities. But first we are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, neighbors and friends. Since April 16, 2007, our thoughts and our prayers have been with those whose losses we cannot fully comprehend but will never forget.”
###
