Richmond (Virginia): Families of those killed in the Virginia Tech massacre would receive USD 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 yesterday to remain anonymous as 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 government, including Virginia Tech.

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

At least 20 families have filed notice with the state that they may sue. They have until April 16 to make such filings.

Attorneys for families and officials in the governor's office did not immediately return calls to The Associated Press.

"My people are pretty unhappy with it, and I don't blame them," Edward Jazlowiecki, a lawyer for the family of slain student Henry Lee, told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk.

Jazlowiecki said Lee's family faults Virginia Tech for not warning those on campus sooner that a gunman may be loose.

Cho shot his first two victims in a dormitory just after 7 am, but university officials did not send an e mail alert until more than two hours later just before Cho killed 30 others in a classroom building across campus.

Source : PTI