The issues are much larger than an insurance company paying out some money. Arbitrator James Carrigan, a former Colorado Supreme Court justice and former federal judge, will determine how to divide the money among the victims' families based on their losses, future medical bills and needs. The disbursements will take about two months. Attorneys on both sides said there is a real push to get everyone to agree to the settlements. If they don't, they will have the option of continuing their lawsuits.
Today is the deadline for civil lawsuits involving death claims to be filed in court.
Nine wrongful-death and negligence lawsuits filed by about 20 victims and their families are pending in federal court against the sheriff's office and school district. A hearing on whether to dismiss the lawsuits is set for next Friday.