Massey miners' families weigh settlement vs. litigation options.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported families of the victims of the West Virginia coal mine explosion "wonder whether they should accept a $3 million offer to settle civil litigation arising from the April 5 blast. Others wonder whether a lawsuit would force operator Massey Energy Co. to disclose what happened inside the Upper Big Branch mine." Nancy Burgess said she refuses to settle until "they have some answers." So far, seven families have accepted Massey Energy's settlement and benefits package. Additionally, families were offered beneficiary life insurance, "20 years of health benefits," and college scholarships for miners' children. Attorney Harry Bell called the package "strong" and "a very smart defensive strategy." But he added, "if it comes out during the course of the investigations that there was willful neglect -- well, then you're looking at a case that has a higher value."