Settlement offered in Virginia Tech shooting

RICHMOND, Va. – Families of those killed in the Virginia Tech massacre would receive $100,000 each under a settlement the state is proposing to prevent lawsuits, according to a victim’s relative who received a copy of the proposal.

Medical and counseling expenses would be provided to the families of the 32 killed and dozens of surviving victims, said the person, who asked Monday to remain anonymous because those involved were told not to discuss the settlement.

Families would also have the opportunity to question the governor and university officials about the shootings, according to the family member.

Families were asked to say by March 31 whether they were comfortable with the proposal. If they agree, they cannot sue the state, including Virginia Tech.

Seung-Hui Cho, a mentally disturbed student, killed 32 and wounded several others at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, before committing suicide.

The proposal would require all families to agree and says the state can withdraw the proposal if not enough parties do, the family member said.

In addition to the $100,000 payments to each of the families of those killed, another $800,000 would be reserved for the injured, with a maximum of $100,000 to any person.