CANADA: $27 million Maple Leaf listeriosis settlement approved by courts: Simple claims submission process begins for largest human food contamination class action in Canadian history

05.may.09
from a press release

TORONTO -- People who believe they were affected by listeriosis as a result of
recalled meat products produced by Maple Leaf Foods have the next 181 days to file a
claim for financial compensation. A Canada-wide settlement of up to $27 million has
been approved by the Courts in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec providing financial
compensation for people who purchased or consumed recalled meat products ("Recalled
Products") produced by Maple Leaf Foods, during the period January 1, 2008 to August
31, 2008. 
How to Apply for Compensation
Anyone who believes they qualify for compensation can download a claim form from the
web site www.mapleleafclaim.com or by calling the court-appointed Claims
Administrator toll-free at 1-800-801-2521. If you are unsure if you qualify, you are
encouraged to call the Claims Administrator.
All claims must be filed by 5:00 pm EST, November 2, 2009 and you are encouraged to
file your claim as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. The only way to
receive compensation is to submit a completed claim form to the Court appointed
Claims Administrator.
Who Should Claim
The settlement establishes a fund of up to $27 million to pay valid claims for
compensation relating to the physical or psychological harm caused by the
consumption of Recalled Products. The settlement provides varying amounts of
compensation to individuals who consumed recalled products and became sick or died.
The following claim submission facts should be noted:
- Proof of purchase and consumption is not required. A sworn Declaration attesting
to purchase and consumption is sufficient.
- Proof of any listeria infection is not required. A sworn Declaration attesting to
physical illness with flu like symptoms is sufficient.
- Medical proof of illness or psychological trauma is required except in the case of
illness lasting between 24 and 48 hours. In the latter case, no medical proof is
required at all.
People who purchased but did not consume Recalled Products are also bound by the
settlement but are ineligible to be paid any compensation.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION IN THIS SETTLEMENT:
A. Physical and Psychological Trauma Claims Without Medical Evidence Lump sum
payment: $750.00.
a. Physical symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming.
b. Illness duration: 24 hours to less than 48 hours.
c. Medical proof: None required.
NOTE: If a claimant consumed recalled product and suffered from flu like symptoms
but never visited a doctor or hospital or clinic, he or she may claim at Level 1 as
this is the level that does not require medical
evidence to support a claim.
B. Physical and Psychological Trauma Claims with Medical Evidence
Payment range: $3,000 - $125,000 plus certain additional amounts.
a. Physical symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming.
b. Illness duration: More than 48 hours.
c. Medical proof: Required.
C. Psychological Trauma Only Claims with Medical Evidence
Payment range: $2,000 - $17,500 plus certain additional amounts.
a. Psychological trauma only, after consuming.
b. Anxiety onset after August 17, 2009.
c. Medical proof: Required.
A list of over 242 Recalled Products which were identified as potentially
contaminated with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes, can be found on the website
www.mapleleafclaim.com.
Opting Out of the Class Action Settlement
The only option that allows claimants to ever be part of any other lawsuit against
Maple Leaf Foods regarding the legal claims in this case, is by submitting a signed
"Opt Out" form postmarked no later than Friday August 7, 2009.
Under the settlement approved by the courts, if a claimant chooses to do nothing by
the claims deadline of November 2, 2009, they will receive no compensation and give
up all of their rights to further legal action in this matter.
For further information: visit www.mapleleafclaim.com or contact the
Claims Administrator: Bruneau Group Inc.: Maple Leaf Settlement Administrator,
1-800-801-2521, Fax: (613) 562-0321, info@mapleleafclaim.com; Do Not Contact the
Courts about this Settlement.