Fw: Dow Corning cleared to settle with government over damaged breast implants

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FYI! MM

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message ----- From: ParfumGigi@...

MAM-NSIF@... ; frontiers20k@...

Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2002 12:50 AM

Subject: Dow Corning cleared to settle with government over damaged breast implants

showed up here too...like when are the checks in the mail??

The Associated PressDETROIT (September 20, 2002 7:37 a.m. EDT) - 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. http://www.nandotimes.com/healthscience/story/543218p-4293323c.html