$62,500.
That’s what each of the people injured in the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge would receive from the city in a lawsuit settlement or award.
The rock-bottom total of $500,000 is the result of a state law capping payouts from municipalities and counties.
But wait, there’s more. The state’s payout limit is $250,000!
The law enacted in 1978 has never been amended to increase the caps, not even for inflation. That half-million dollars is worth just under $2.5 million in 2024, and it is fair to question whether there should be caps at all.
Despite the seriousness of their injuries, the bridge collapse victims will likely get insulting compensation from a city that neglected and ignored a deteriorating bridge and is clearly liable.
This law is wrong, outdated and should be repealed or replaced.
State lawmakers should drag Pennsylvania out of the disco era and bring government lawsuit awards into the 2020’s.
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