Ind. faces 20-plus claims over fair stage collapse

INDIANAPOLIS — The state is facing more than 20 potential lawsuits one month after the deadly outdoor stage collapse during the Indiana State Fair.

An attorney general’s office spokesman says that through Monday the office had received 21 tort claims stemming from the Aug. 13 collapse. A tort claim is a legal notice that must be filed before the state can be sued.

The state has brought in victims compensation specialist Kenneth Feinberg to help devise an equitable way to distribute the $5 million liability fund set by state law. Feinberg says only those injured and families of those killed are likely to receive money.

Seven people died from the collapse during strong winds before a concert by the country duo Sugarland. More than 40 others were injured, several seriously.