Up to 10,000 could file claims in Maple Leaf suit: administrator

Last Updated: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 | 8:46 AM ET Comments26 Recommend5

The Canadian Press

The administrator of a settlement involving Maple Leaf Foods says as many as 10,000 people could file claims.

The company has agreed to pay up to $125,000 to individuals with serious and long-lasting physical injuries resulting from last year's listeriosis outbreak.

Members of the public have been invited to fill out a claim form if they feel they were harmed by the food-borne illness linked to Maple Leaf meat products produced at a Toronto plant.

Laura Bruneau, whose firm will administer the settlement, said only two people had filled out claim forms as of yesterday, but she expects that to grow.

There will be 12 levels of compensation depending on the harm experienced by the consumer, ranging from psychological damages to death.

Lawsuits were launched after the outbreak killed at least 20 people and triggered the largest meat recall in Canadian history.

Lawyers estimate about 5,000 people were affected, either directly or indirectly.

The agreement now needs approval from courts in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, with hearings scheduled in March.