5/8/14 - Victims in the nation's outbreak of fungal meningitis will share a $100 (m) million settlement. Attorneys announced this week that the victims of contaminated steroid injections who sued in federal courts will share a $100 million settlement against New England Compounding Center. The now-defunct Massachusetts company distributed the tainted steroid injections to patients at clinics in 20 states. Michigan patients were hit hardest by the outbreak, with 264 infections and 19 deaths according to the most recent tallies. The steroids were distributed to clinics in four Michigan counties including Livingston, Genesee, Macomb and Grand Traverse. The settlement was tentatively agreed upon last December and was officially filed today with the bankruptcy court, which must still approve it. Attorneys that represent the victims say they could be receiving compensation as early as next year. Meanwhile, the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee recently unanimously approved legislation sponsored by State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township to strengthen oversight of compounding pharmacies and increase regulations. Itâs currently before the full Senate. (JK)
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