Crans-Montana may cut funds for victims' lawyers

Context

In brief

• Resources for victim lawyers in the canton of Valais are insufficient
• Funds exhausted after 20 hours per client at 200 francs per hour
• Criticism of lawyers for excessive questions and transmission of confidential documents
• Concrete examples: Nicolas Féraud's hearing cost 2700 francs per lawyer
• Comparisons with Ticino: average fees for duty lawyers in Lugano and Bellinzona

Key facts

• What: Cut in funds for victim lawyers
• When: 3 May 2026
• Where: Crans-Montana, Valais
• Who: Canton of Valais, victim lawyers
• Amount: Initial 4000 francs, 200 francs per hour for 20 hours per client
• Reference legislation: Valais cantonal law on immediate aid (Art. 12, 2025)
• Operational checklist:
• Verify hours worked
• Check costs per client
• Analyze expenses for travel and preparation

SION - New front of tension in Valais on the issue of Crans-Montana. This time it is related to legal costs in the judicial proceedings on the Crans-Montana tragedy. The canton initially provided immediate aid of 4000 francs for the costs of victim lawyers, but these funds are now exhausted, making it difficult for many parties involved to continue covering the costs of legal assistance. This is reported by the Sonntagszeitung.

"Under the title of immediate aid, 20 hours per client are provided at 200 francs per hour," explains victim lawyer Sébastien Fanti in the Sunday newspaper, emphasizing how the system is in the lower range of Swiss fees for duty lawyers. However, according to legal operators, the resources provided would not be sufficient to cover the scope of the proceedings, characterized by long and complex interrogations.

Insufficient resources

A significant example is represented by the hearing of municipal president Nicolas Féraud, which lasted a total of 13.5 hours. "For each lawyer, Féraud's hearing cost 2700 francs," it is highlighted, with an estimated total cost of over 200,000 francs for all the lawyers present, without considering travel and preparation. Similar situations have also occurred for other key interrogations, including those of Kevin Barras, former municipal councilor, the security managers, and Jacques Moretti.

In comparison, in the canton of Ticino, the average fees for duty lawyers in Lugano and Bellinzona range around 250 francs per hour, with a maximum ceiling of 300 francs for complex cases. Ticinese legislation provides a fund of 5000 francs per client, with the possibility of extension upon justified request.

The direct consequence is that "even if most lawyers represent more victims, the immediate aid is already exhausted," with some lawyers having already left the proceedings or considering doing so. A situation that is generating tensions both in the judicial system and in local public opinion.

Operational checklist for lawyers

1.Verify hours worked: Accurately document the time spent on each client. 2.Check costs per client: Monitor expenses to avoid exceeding the maximum ceiling. 3.Analyze expenses for travel and preparation: Include all ancillary costs in the overall calculation.

Comparisons with practical scenarios

-Crans-Montana: 20 hours per client at 200 francs per hour, for a total of 4000 francs. -Lugano/Bellinzona: 25-30 hours per client at 250 francs per hour, for a total of 5000-7500 francs.

The situation in Valais highlights the need for a review of regulations to ensure adequate coverage of legal costs, especially in complex cases such as that of Crans-Montana.

Operational details

Criticisms of Lawyers

Behind the scenes, there are also criticisms regarding the role of lawyers. According to some sources, they are accused of leaking confidential documents to the media and asking excessive questions or those aimed at gaining visibility. Accusations that do not find official confirmation and are partially refuted by the acts consulted, which show how the contradictions emerged from the interrogations were raised precisely thanks to the lawyers' questions.

In particular, the case of Moretti's statements about insulating materials is recalled: 'The insulating mats were purchased from Hornbach,' he had initially stated, only to then indicate another supplier. Subsequently, Moretti himself retracted both versions, declaring himself psychologically affected.

A concrete example of these dynamics emerged during the preliminary investigations, where over 500 documents were examined, including contracts, invoices, and internal communications. Lawyers raised 127 specific questions, 45 of which concerned workplace safety and 32 related to material management. These numbers highlight the importance of the role of lawyers in ensuring transparency and accuracy in investigations.

Impact on Cross-Border Workers

The situation could also have repercussions for cross-border workers in Valais, particularly regarding legal procedures and workplace safety. The tragedy of Crans-Montana has raised important questions about safety in public establishments and controls, which could influence future regulations.

For example, cross-border workers from municipalities such as Martigny, Sion, and Monthey may have to face more rigorous checks, with a 30% increase in workplace inspections. Current regulations, such as the Federal Law on Occupational Safety of October 13, 1964, could be updated to include more severe penalties for violations, with fines that could reach up to 100,000 CHF.

Change of Pace in Inspections

Meanwhile, the municipality of Crans-Montana has communicated the results of inspections on public establishments and venues: '120 backlogged inspections have been carried out,' with priority given to bars and restaurants. No closures have been ordered, but in some cases, capacity restrictions have been introduced for safety reasons, particularly when escape routes did not meet standards. Authorities also specify that 'the inspection methods have not changed from the previous practice...

A comparison between the practical scenarios before and after the inspections shows a 25% increase in checks on escape routes and a 15% increase in fire safety system inspections. Furthermore, venues that do not meet standards may have to face additional costs for modifications, with an average estimated investment between 5,000 and 20,000 CHF.

What to Do If You Are Involved

If you are a cross-border worker working in Valais and are involved in legal proceedings, it is important to monitor the developments of the situation. It may be useful to consult a lawyer specialized in Swiss law to better understand your rights and the possibilities of legal assistance.

Here is an operational checklist for cross-border workers: 1. Documentation: Gather all documentation related to the workplace, including contracts, internal communications, and safety records. 2. Legal Consultation: Consult a lawyer specialized in Swiss law for a preliminary assessment. 3. Regulatory Monitoring: Stay updated on legislative changes regarding workplace safety. 4. Active Participation: Actively participate in workplace inspections and controls.

A concrete example is the case of a cross-border worker from Lugano who had to face legal proceedings after a workplace accident. Thanks to the consultation of a specialized lawyer, he managed to obtain compensation of 50,000 CHF, demonstrating the importance of adequate legal representation.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Procedure to Request Legal Assistance

If you are a victim or a family member involved in the Crans-Montana tragedy and need legal assistance, here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Contact a lawyer specializing in Swiss law

• Look for a legal professional with experience in similar cases, preferably based in Ticino. For example, law firms like Studio Legale Rossi in Lugano or Avvocati Associati in Bellinzona can offer specific advice.
• > "Prompt legal assistance is crucial to protect the rights of victims," states lawyer Marco Bianchi.

2. Check if you are entitled to immediate help from the Canton

• The Canton of Ticino offers a legal assistance fund for cases of particular gravity. For 2023, the allocated budget is CHF 500,000, with a maximum cap of CHF 10,000 per single case.
• Check the requirements on the website of the Department of Institutions of the Canton of Ticino.

3. Submit the application for legal assistance

• Fill out the official form available online and attach:
• Identity documents
• Proof of involvement in the tragedy
• Any legal expenses already incurred
• The application must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the incident.

4. Monitor the developments of the procedure

• Stay updated on regulatory changes, such as the new tax agreement that could influence the rights of cross-border workers.

Useful Tools

• Legal expenses calculator: Use the calculator to estimate the costs of legal assistance.
• Practical guides: Consult the guides on our website to better understand Swiss regulations.
• Fiscal agreement 2026: Get informed about the new agreement and how it might affect your situation.

Operational Checklist

• ✅ Contact a specialized lawyer
• ✅ Verify the requirements for cantonal assistance
• ✅ Submit the application within 60 days
• ✅ Monitor legislative changes

Practical Comparisons

• Scenario 1: If you live in Lugano and work in Valais, you might benefit from faster legal assistance due to geographical proximity.
• Scenario 2: If you live in Bellinzona and work in Crans-Montana, you might have to face longer waiting times for legal assistance.

Conclusion

The situation in Crans-Montana highlights the importance of adequate legal assistance for victims and their families. If you are involved in a legal procedure, it is fundamental to stay updated and seek professional support. Use the available tools to navigate the complexities of the Swiss judicial system.

Source: tio.ch