The Incident
First-In: Heroic Rescues
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
Changes to Safety Laws Since R.I. Fire
Few Changes After Club Blaze Killed 100
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) -- A state hearing officer ruled Friday the owners of a nightclub where a fire killed 100 people can't be held personally liable for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, owners of The Station, were fined more than $1 million for not having the required insurance for four workers at the West Warwick club who were among those killed as a result of the Feb. 20, 2003, blaze. The same fine also was assessed against the Derderians' company, Derco LLC.
Workers' compensation insurance would have made an employee's family eligible for $15,000 for burial and other expenses, plus a portion of lost wages.
It was not immediately clear if the decision by a hearing officer for the Department of Labor and Training could be appealed. The fine against Derco is under appeal in the Supreme Court.
Jeff Pine, attorney for Jeffrey Derderian, said the decision is ``the position that we've been taking all along and we are pleased.'' He and Kathleen Hagerty, an attorney for Michael Derderian, said the brothers intended to compensate the families, but would not elaborate.
The Derderians face involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the fire, and are named in several lawsuits.
