All claims must be filed by November 2, 2009 - forms available at
www.mapleleafclaim.com or 1-800-801-2521.
TORONTO, May 5 /CNW Telbec/ - 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
