NewsBreak: Deal reached for Minn. bridge collapse victims

"MN Disasters"

05/02/2008

ST. PAUL (AP) - Key negotiators say a deal has been reached to compensate victims of the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

State Rep. Ryan Winkler and Sen. Ron Latz tell The Associated Press a deal has been reached.

Victims' attorney Chris Messerly says the $38 million plan addresses a key sticking point in the negotiations. That's whether to recognize the state's liability limit by capping awards to individual victims.

Messerly says the deal would allow victims to get up to $400,000 each. There's also a supplemental $12.6 million fund for the worst injured.

The Aug. 1 bridge collapse on Interstate 35W killed 13 people and injured 145 others.