Station Nightclub victims awaiting cash

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - As the anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire approaches, survivors said they are still struggling, nearly six years after the tragedy.

One hundred people died and hundreds more were hurt when the West Warwick club went up in flames on Feb. 20, 2003. Pyrotechnics from the rock bank Great White sparked the fire, and foam on the walls gave it fuel.

In the aftermath, more than 300 people, including the survivors and family members of those killed, filed several lawsuits, which have yielded $176 million in settlement money. However, the plaintiffs in the case have not seen any of the money yet.

Linda Fisher, who was severely burned in the fire, said her medical bills have ballooned to a half-million dollars.

Another survivor, Gina Gauvin, said she has barely been able to make ends meet since the fire.

The money is being distributed according to an intricate formula which was developed by a Duke University law professor.

It takes into account the victim's age, education, income and medical expenses.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs recently agreed to the formula. A however, a federal judge must now approve it before the settlement money can be paid out. That decision is currently pending.