Fw: Breast Implant Settlement Approved

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----- Original Message -----

From: " Kathi " <pureheart@...>

Sent: Saturday, September 21, 2002 1:26 AM

Subject: Breast Implant Settlement Approved

> Breast Implant Settlement Approved

>

> DETROIT (AP) - A federal judge has authorized a $9.8 million settlement

> between Dow Corning and the federal government for medical expenses

> stemming from breast implant-related injuries.

>

> U.S. District Judge Page Hood approved the settlement on

> Thursday. The federal government sought reimbursement on behalf of the

> U.S. Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, Health and Human Services,

> the Indian Health Service and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

> Services.

>

> " We are pleased to be closer to providing relief to suffering women, "

> said Sybil Niden Goldrich, founder and executive director of the Command

> Trust Network, a group for women with breast implants. " Simply removing

> a damaged implant can cost as much as $20,000, and is often paid

> out-of-pocket. "

>

> The agreement prevents the government from seeking any additional

> compensation for implant claims from Dow Corning or from claimants who

> had Dow Corning breast implants except in instances of criminal or

> fraudulent activity.

>

> However, the government is free to pursue compensation from other

> manufacturers.

>

> Once the world's largest maker of silicone breast implants, Dow Corning

> sought bankruptcy protection in 1995 after thousands of implant

> recipients sued. It has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since

> 1995.

>

> Dow Corning is owned by The Dow Chemical Co. and Corning Inc. Company

> officials could not be reached for comment late Thursday night.

>

> 2002-09-20 10:58:12 GMT

>

>

>

> http://news.findlaw.com/ap/o/1500/9-20-2002/20020920043005_02.html

>