A federal judge in Florida has declared his intention to approve a $12.8 million settlement between Chiquita Brands International Inc. and plaintiffs associated with the funding of Colombian paramilitary groups. The settlement emerges as a key resolution within the multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving Chiquita.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra stated his plan to finalize the agreement, which resolves the claims of 2,572 victims' family members represented by attorney Paul Wolf. This consolidation forms part of a larger case against the banana company.
The settlement announcement followed a request from the majority of plaintiffs' attorneys to separate Wolf's clients' claims before a scheduled second bellwether trial. Disagreements among attorneys over trial strategies prompted this move, aiming to avoid potential mistrial complications.
Furthermore, Judge Marra has opted to cancel the upcoming bellwether trial, opting for a review by the Eleventh Circuit of his decisions in the first trial. This approach aims to clarify any judicial errors or affirm the trial's rulings before proceeding with further litigation.
As per the settlement terms, Chiquita will distribute $12.8 million, with a third allocated for legal fees to Wolf, who will receive his compensation in stages. Claimants have an 18-month period to file, with compensation varying based on the documentation provided, specifically relating to victims of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia.
Source: suburbanpi.com