The federal government will fully compensate all persons injured, as well as the families of those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Appearing at a Sept. 24, 2001 press conference with New York Mayor Giuliani, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), announced that compensation to victims had been provided for in the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, passed by Congress to help the airline industry recover from lost revenue resulting from the terrorist attacks.

According to Sen. Schumer, victims and families of the deceased will be allowed to file claims seeking recovery of lost wages, including wages that would have gone to the deceased over the remainder of their working years, their pension, and compensation for pain and suffering.

"If you were a clerk who earned $30,000 a year and you had 20 years left, you'll get a lump sum payment of $30,000 a year for the next 20 years, plus the pain and suffering, plus the pension," stated Sen. Schumer.

According to Schumer, Congress took this action to prevent the airlines from being bankrupt by potential legal actions filed against them by victims of the attacks.

In order to claim payment from the federal government, victims and families must waive their rights to sue the airlines for damages related to the attacks.

Victims and relatives who choose to sue the airlines may do so, but they will give up their eligibility for the guaranteed federal compensation.

"That's their choice, but we doubt very many will, given the generosity of this," stated Schumer, referring to the government payments.

Under provisions of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act a special master will be appointed by the Justice Department to accept and determine the authenticity of claims.

Other benefits due to victims such as pension plans and insurance will reduce federal payments accordingly.

Payments would be offset by other benefits such as life insurance or pension plans.

To receive payment, claimants will be required to provide:

• Information from the claimant concerning the physical harm that the claimant suffered, or in the case of a claim filed on behalf of a decedent information confirming the decedent's death, as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001;
• Information from the claimant concerning any possible economic and noneconomic losses that the claimant suffered as a result of such crashes; and
• Information regarding collateral sources of compensation the claimant has received or is entitled to receive as a result of such crashes.

In presenting their case to the special master, claimants will be allowed:

• The right to be represented by an attorney;
• The right to present evidence, including the presentation of witnesses and documents;
• Any other due process rights determined appropriate by the Special Master.

No compensation for punitive damages will be awarded.