Death Toll Rises to 97
At Least 96 Dead in Inferno
Rescuers Struggle with Horror
Fire, Smoke Turns Club Into Hell
Discuss the Warwick Tragedy
The Aftermath Singer Won't Answer Lawsuit
Trial May Start Next Year
No Delay for Civil Proceedings
Butterfly Garden to Be Dedicated
State Turns Over Evidence
State Turns Over Evidence
FBI Agent to Review Corruption
Group To Fundraise For Memorial
Two Dozen Defendants Added
R.I. To Release More Tapes
Judge: 911 Calls 'Secret'
Lawsuit From Nightclub Fire Filed
Consultants Fault Lack Of Planning
Judge: Evidence Will Be Preserved
Gag Order Sought in Club Fire
Changes to Safety Laws Since Fire
Few Changes After Club Blaze
Web Site Comforts RI Patients
RI Gov. Orders Strict Inspections
2 Families Sue in RI Club Blaze
RI Nightclub Claims May Total $1B
RI Nightclub Death Toll Rises to 98
Victims Face Long Recovery
All But 4 Victims ID'd
Thousands Mourn Victims
IDs Could Take Days
Family, Friends Search
9/11 Widow Reflects
Survivors Recall Heroic Acts
The Investigation Patron Capacity Unclear in RI Fire
Band Member Testifies
RI Reports Don't Mention Foam
Fire Inspector Report Released
Post-9/11 Drills Aid Club Rescue
Federal Team Launches Probe
Grand Jury Begins Probe
Brannigan: Inspectors Ready?
Investigation Ramps Up
Investigators Check Soundproof
Pyrotechnics Examined in Clubs
Disasters Prompt Inspections
Sprinklers Not Required
Nightclub Up to Code Before Fire
Town Withholds Records
RI Begins Inspections
No Warning of Pyro Use
Pyrotechnics Usually Safe
Atty: RI Club Rep. OK'd Pyrotech.
Fire Challenges State Atty. Gen.
IDs Weighed Heavy on Dentists
FEMA Denies Disaster Aid for Fire
Photos & Video IBS Scene SlideShow
ABC: The Fire Starts
WJAR Video Feedroom
History of Tragedies Carter: History Strikes Again
Fire, Life Safety Laws in Front
Tragedy Recalls Cocoanut Grove
Worst Club Tragedies
Nightclub Disasters Too Familiar
List: Worst Club Tragedies
Related Sites West Warwick Fire Department
Warwick Fire Department
FH Network: Rhode Island
Providence Journal Coverage
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The families of four nightclub employees killed in the 2003 West Warwick fire are asking a judge to order the club's owners to pay death benefits and lost wages.
Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, owners of The Station nightclub, did not have workers' compensation insurance when their club burned to the ground in a deadly fire two years ago.
State Workers' Compensation Court Judge Bruce Morin was expected to hear arguments from lawyers representing the families on Thursday.
According to state law, if the Derderians had carried workers' compensation insurance, the families of the employees killed by the Feb. 20, 2003, blaze would have been eligible for $15,000 for burial and other expenses, plus a portion of the deceased's lost wages.
The families of Tracy King and Dina DeMaio are seeking benefits on behalf of dependents, according to The Providence Journal. Petitions filed in the cases of employees Andrea and Steven Mancini are seeking death benefits.
The Station fire, sparked by a rock band's pyrotechnics, killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others.
In August, a Workers' Compensation Court judge found the Derderians personally liable for a $1.07 million fine against their company, Derco LLC, for failing to carry the required insurance. The brothers have appealed, calling the fine excessive and arguing they don't have the money to pay it out.
The Derderians also face civil claims by fire victims' families and survivors of the blaze, and the state has charged them each with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter.
