Fair victim to lawmakers: We need more

WISH TV

Updated: Feb 20, 2012 11:15 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — State lawmakers heard Thursday from a victim of the State Fair tragedy who is seeking more money for his injuries.

Lawmakers have more than $300 million to spend - money that was lost for a time by the Department of Revenue - and there may be as much as a $100 million more available.

So far, only $5 million in state funds will go to State Fair victims, in accordance with the tort award cap. Lawmakers are considering giving another $5 million.

Brad Humphrey is a paraplegic. He came to a state Senate committee hearing Thursday to explain why he believes a proposal to double the $5 million in state compensation to fair victims is not enough. As he testified from his wheelchair Thursday, his face was partially obscured, even from committee members, by the rostrum used by others.

"I think of my life now,” he said, “as before Sugarland and after Sugarland."

Humphrey is back in school at Crispus Attacks, but he is looking at a future that may include medical expenses of $5 million. It's still not clear how much state compensation he may be entitled to in the bill to under consideration that would lift the state's liability cap.

"I am for the bill raising Indiana's cap," said Humphrey, "but am concerned that the new cap is not large enough for all the people who were injured, and those families who had a family member die."

Also on hand was Brad's mother, Sue.

"I worry his injuries will impact his earning capacity over his life time," she said. "Brad will require some type of assistance every day for the rest of his life."

Tony Patterson, an attorney for victims, tried to explain the scope of the problem to lawmakers.

"With seven folks dead," he said, "with long-term medical costs, serious injuries, we're looking at a damage figure of up to $100 million."

The committee won't act at least until next week. The bill that contains the additional money for fair victims also includes more money for full-day kindergarten and money for a tax refund of about $50 for every Indiana taxpayer. Changes in the bill are likely before it goes to a committee vote.

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