DETROIT -- Dow Corning Corp. is a step closer to settling thousands of claims from women who say the company's silicone breast implants made them ill.
Claimants overwhelmingly approved a $3.2 billion settlement plan that would pay as much as $300,000 to women whose implants caused a serious medical condition, Dow Corning announced Tuesday.Nearly 96 percent of the 112,774 women who cast ballots voted to approve the plan. If it is approved, the first claims could be paid by the end of the year.
"I'm not saying this is the best thing since sliced bread, but it is finally a process by which we can draw an end to this and get some people the medical care that they have not been able to get," said Sybil Niden Goldrich, a trustee appointed to represent implant recipients on the Tort Claimants Committee.
The settlement will go back to court June 28, when a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in Bay City will hear arguments from creditors opposing the plan.
"It's always up to the judge, but there's no reason for me to believe it won't be confirmed," said T. Michael Jackson, a Dow Corning spokesman.
Under the settlement plan, claimants who want their silicone implants removed would get $5,000 for the surgery or $20,000 if their implants had ruptured.
In addition to money for implant removal, women with the most serious medical conditions could receive up to $300,000. Women without a disease claim could get $2,000.
If the court approves the deal, claimants worldwide would receive information explaining how they could collect funds. Women still have the option to reject the settlement and pursue litigation, Jackson said.
"Because of the values and options available, we are confident that most people will elect to settle their claims," he said.