Families of Va. Tech Victims Awarded $11 Million

Scott Kappes

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On Tuesday a Virginia judge approved an $11 million settlement to be awarded to families of victims that were killed or injured in last year’s massacre at Virginia Tech University. The settlement included 24 victims that lost their lives and 18 more who were injured when Seung-Hui Cho went on a violent shooting rampage on the college campus last April. The deranged killer took the lives of 32 individuals before committing suicide when police breached the doors of the building where most of the carnage took place.

"The commonwealth has endeavored to meet the needs and concerns of the victims, including family members, through both monetary and non-monetary provisions," said Chief Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims.

Of the remaining eight deceased victims, families of two chose not to file claims and two other claims are unresolved. The other four will be brought forward at a later date, Mims said.

As part of the settlement, victims’ families will also be able to periodically meet with the Governor of Virginia and university officials to review legislation and improvements to the campus in response to the tragedy.

The families pursued the lawsuits after numerous reports and an independent panel concluded that more timely action from the university and its officials may have saved innocent lives.