Fen-Phen...

On January 3, 2002, a national settlement valued at $3.75 billion received final judicial approval. The settlement created a trust for Fen Phen claims and has already paid over 25,000 claimants. The settlement agreement provides for a variety of benefits, including refunds for the prescription costs of Pondimin and Redux, medical monitoring and some medical treatment or payment for monitoring and treatment, compensation for specifically defined valvular heart conditions, and the right to "opt-out" and pursue claims against AHP/Wyeth and other released parties. Oversight of the Trust's administration of the settlement agreement and of the lawsuits filed by class members who have exercised an opt-out right remains before the U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania.

The settlement agreement provides for compensation to class members who are able to demonstrate, by echocardiogram, that they have sustained significant left-sided heart valve injury (matrix claims). Currently, it is estimated that the trust has approximately 50,000 matrix claims pending and sufficient funds to pay approximately 5,000. Now, current debate is focused upon issues raised by both Wyeth and the Trust, which would significantly redefine the commonly accepted and understood meaning of the term "qualifying echocardiogram". The Law Offices of Daniel E. Becnel, Jr. is continuing the fight against the big drug companies for the rights of each and every client.