Crans-Montana may cut funds for victims' lawyers

Di Valerie Linc ·

The Canton of Valais does not have enough resources to cover the legal expenses of the victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy.

Contesto

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 tota...

Dettagli operativi

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, 196...

Punti chiave

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 fiscal agreement 2026 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 as...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What funds are provided for the lawyers of the victims?","a":"The Canton of Valais initially provided immediate assistance of 4000 francs for the legal fees of victims' lawyers, with a cap of 20 hours per client at 200 francs per hour."},{"q":"Why are the funds insufficient?","a":"The funds are insufficient because the interrogations are lengthy and complex, and the total cost for the lawyers far exceeds the immediate assistance provided."},{"q":"What are the criticisms against the lawyers?","a":"The lawyers are accused of leaking confidential documents to the media and asking questions considered excessive or aimed at their own visibility."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What funds are provided for the lawyers of the victims?
The Canton of Valais initially provided immediate assistance of 4000 francs for the legal fees of victims' lawyers, with a cap of 20 hours per client at 200 francs per hour.
Why are the funds insufficient?
The funds are insufficient because the interrogations are lengthy and complex, and the total cost for the lawyers far exceeds the immediate assistance provided.
What are the criticisms against the lawyers?
The lawyers are accused of leaking confidential documents to the media and asking questions considered excessive or aimed at their own visibility.

Related articles