Rhode Island Judge Asked to OK Club Fire Settlement Plan

February 10, 2009

Lawyers for the survivors and relatives of the 100 people killed in a nightclub fire almost six years ago asked a judge Friday to approve a formula to distribute proceeds from a $176 million settlement.

The lawyers said in court papers that all their clients agreed to the point system, which was developed by a Duke University law professor and awards the most money to the survivors with the largest medical bills.

A federal judge must approve the formula before the settlement money can be paid out.

More than 300 people sued over the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, which was sparked by pyrotechnics from the rock band Great White.

Dozens of people and companies, including Anheuser-Busch, Clear Channel Broadcasting and foam manufacturers, have agreed to pay the settlement.

The lawyers also asked for permission to create a settlement trust fund into which the defendants’ money would be deposited.

Topics Legislation Oklahoma

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