State of Indiana Settles With Sugarland Stage Collapse Victims

The state of Indiana has settled with 63 of 65 victims in a class action lawsuit, which charged that the state was liable for deaths and injuries resulting from the August 13th stage collapse during a Sugarland performance at the Indiana State Fair.

Five million dollars in compensation has been made available to the victims and their families, all but $2,000 of which has been claimed. The state is still attempting to reach two claimants who have not yet accepted monetary offers. In addition to the $300,000 awarded to each claimant, fair officials have distributed nearly $800,000 in donations.

This is the first lawsuit to be settled stemming from the stage collapse tragedy. Another suit filed last month makes the band Sugarland liable on the claim that they neglected to call off the show despite dangerous weather conditions.