How should the state help the bridge disaster...

Comments: 13

Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Nov 14, 2007, 10:28am EST

I think they should be compenstated. Medical bills should be paid, funeral costs should be paid & possibly a (flat)amount to all injured & the families of those killed.

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jessie voigts Nov 14, 2007, 10:30am EST

julia - that is a very difficult question - but i DO think that the state should help them, somehow. this is still an emergency situation (like katrina, the fires, etc.), and the states help those in need. i can't get those horrific images out of my mind, especially since i've driven over that bridge thousands of times. yikes. what is the climate there, in terms of the bridge disaster?

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Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Nov 14, 2007, 10:43am EST

The state was responsible for maintaining a safe bridge. It is not too much to ask them to be responsible in compensating those who were injured and to those families who lost loved ones.

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J R B. Nov 14, 2007, 10:50am EST

Ha! The Government built most of the dams and bridges back in the 29's and 30's. Since that time the states have not repaired them. Some have collapsed, and been destroyed causing flooding every year, still the states do nothing. Since when did the states accept responsibility for bridges and dams. I do not see a law requiring the states to accept responsibility,

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Donna Besso Nov 14, 2007, 10:57am EST

Lifetime compensation. I would never be the same if I was involved in that disaster.

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Gary Fischbach Nov 14, 2007, 11:08am EST

What's the State's maximum amount per person liability? Each municipality has a limit of what they can be sued for. Look it up for the State. I think Mpls and St Paul are around $200,000 per person. You can't sue the state for more than a certain dollar amount per person.

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Richard B. Nov 14, 2007, 11:54am EST

Well first the state is responsible for that disaster because of inadequate maintenance. Therefore the responsibility falls to the state of Minnesota.

However, the state will delay action and try to wiggle out of helping anyone, as if the state helps one then the state need help all. Therefore, I don't see any help from the state at all.

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Gary Fischbach Nov 14, 2007, 12:40pm EST

Do we know its the State's fault yet? Or have you already made up your mind? Do you want it to be the State's fault? Do we give them money before fault is determined?

Then, if the State is determined at fault, they can only sue for about $200,000 a person by State law. The State can't be sued for any monies above that. Should they get more money than that? The State is you and I.

Do we give them money with the stipulation they can't sue? How much are the lawyers going to make?

What kind of Pandora's box does this open up for further accidents where the State is at fault? Does it become a legal free for all?

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John A. Nov 14, 2007, 12:41pm EST

If we are not reasonably assured that bridges are safe when we use them, then why are we paying taxes?

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Bob Collins Nov 14, 2007, 1:09pm EST

In many cases, the medical bills are more than they can sue for. So they're losing money for driving on a bridge that fell down. Is it a legal issue? Or is it a moral issue?

And, is it more than we give farmers and ethanol producers?

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Gary Fischbach Nov 15, 2007, 9:48am EST

I'm not saying we don't. I just saying we have to use some reason and judgement on this so it doesn't get out of hand. This will set a precident for any other "accident" that the state may be "responsible" for. Also, if we give them money, do they have to sign a form that they can't sue the State, MNDOT, or Hennipen county? Emotions are flying high. This is going to become VERY political. There have been many fundraisers for the victims recently, which I believe should help people out in the short term. Long term is still open.

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Gary Fischbach Nov 16, 2007, 11:09am EST

http://www.politicsinminnesota.com/2007/nov/09/mndot-under-siege-all-competing-agendas

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How should the state help the bridge disaster victims?

Comments: 13

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