$9M Thomas Valva settlement delayed again over money split

A $9 million settlement with Suffolk County in the case of Thomas Valva, the 8-year-old who died of hypothermia after being forced to sleep in a garage, has been further delayed. The delay stems from new concerns raised by Thomas’s mother, Justyna Zubko-Valva, regarding the proposed distribution of funds. She argues that the initial agreement, which allocated $2 million directly to her, $4 million to trusts for her sons, and $3 million to her attorneys, doesn’t provide enough to adequately care for her children, particularly her son with special needs.

Zubko-Valva proposed a revised distribution of $5.5 million to herself and $500,000 to the children’s accounts, citing the ongoing financial and emotional needs of her family. U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay cautioned that these concerns would further delay the funds, while also suggesting Zubko-Valva could access the children’s trust funds for their care. Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Edward R. Korman will decide if the revised terms are fair.

The county’s attorneys expressed a desire for a prompt resolution but also emphasized the need to protect the county from future claims. A deadline of January 15th has been set for the submission of the new proposal, with a further conference scheduled for January 30th. The case originated from a $200 million lawsuit alleging that Thomas’s death was preventable, following years of reports of abuse to Child Protective Services. Thomas was killed by his father, Thomas Valva, and his father’s then-fiancee, Angela Pollina, both of whom are now serving 25-year-to-life sentences for second-degree murder.

(Source：Newsday)