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Phanthavong Family, Senser Settled Civil Lawsuit Weeks Ago

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The settlement in the Amy Senser civil lawsuit had been reached two weeks ago, said attorney Jim Schwebel, who represents the family of Anousone Phanthavong.

Senser was convicted of two felonies in the criminal trial on Thursday, but the settlement wasn't announced until Friday.

"We chose not to disclose it at the time because we didn't want anyone to claim that this knowledge would influence the jury," Schwebel said.

Schwebel told WCCO that the settlement's terms are confidential, due to privacy concerns on both sides, especially for the family of Anousone Phanthavong, who do not want any financial terms associated with the loss of a family member.

"When you suffer a loss like this, there is a permanent hole in the fabric of the family," Schwebel said. "And that is where the settlement is supposed to help them find closure."

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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