Proposal for Splitting Money in Rhode Island Club Fire Case

A law school professor has submitted a plan for distributing $176 million in settlement money among the more than 300 people who sued after a Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100 people.

The proposal from Francis McGovern, a court-appointed special master and Duke University law professor, awards the most points to survivors who were the most severely injured and had the highest medical bills.

It also allows anyone who can prove they were at The Station nightclub club on the night of the fire to receive a share of the settlement.

The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at the West Warwick club began when pyrotechnics used by the rock band Great White ignited soundproofing foam around the stage. Besides the 100 killed, more than 200 others were injured.

The victims reached settlements over the last year and a half with dozens of defendants.