Bomb Victims Fear High Medical Costs; Injuries May Cease Ability To Work Ms. Bels Thursday, April 18, 2013 The Receipt, Your Money and You Photo Courtesy of MSNBC The city of Boston suffered a great deal after two bombs exploded injuring 170 people and killing three. At what was supposed to be a cheerful occasion, a deadly attack on marathoners instantly turned joy into horrific terror. The explosions left a gruesome scene in which most of the victims were hit with bb’s, nails, and other components used to make the pressure cooker bombs. Unfortunately, the bombs were able to hit a lot of people at one time causing major harm. While watching more coverage of the bombings on CNN, a victim brought up a good point while speaking with a reporter. He explained that as a self-employed man the injuries that he’s suffered will prevent him from being able to work. This will be true for many of the victims. Blue collar workers who work with their hands or legs, if were severely affected by the attack, may have to take a extended leave of absence. Or in the case of the victim on CNN, he is self-employed so will have to completely stop working. If he is the bread winner for his household, it is going to be extremely difficult to sustain the current household bills and the incoming hospital costs. Will the victims receive any financial help from state or federal government? City officials in Boston announced the creation of the One Fund Boston. The fund is designed to be a central source for compensation for the victims. A Boston-based insurer has already donated $1 million to the fund. Although the fund is in place, there are no guidelines or qualifications set for those who want to file a claim. This could take weeks to finalize. One concern with One Fund Boston is that will victims be able to still sue the city of Boston. After most incidents of this nature, the citizens oftentimes file lawsuits against the city or state. In this case, the firm that manages the One Fund Boston have yet to decide the claim specifications surrounding any payments that will be made to the victims who file. The only alternatives at the moment will be for victims to rely on their retirement savings, insurance payouts, or family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the victims of this horrible tragedy. The hatred must cease. God bless us all.
