Introduction
There were two sets of separate class actions for people who were infected in Canada with Hepatitis C tainted blood.
One class action was for people infected between January 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990. This class action has settled and the deadline to submit a claim has passed. The documents related to the settlement are on our “Settlement Documents” page.
The other class action was for people infected prior to 1986 and after July 1, 1990 and was brought against the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada. A settlement was reached with all three of these parties.
A national settlement for $63 million was reached with the Red Cross. A settlement of $6.5 million was reached with the Province for people infected in British Columbia. These settlements were paid in installments. The deadline to register for the first payment was March 31, 2002. These funds have now been depleted and no further claims can be made for compensation.
A settlement was also reached with Government of Canada for Hepatitis C tainted blood victims who were infected before 1986 and after July 1, 1990. The deadline to apply for this settlement has passed and no further claims can be made for compensation. The documents related to this settlement are on our “Settlement Documents” page. The Settlement has now been terminated by the Courts.
“The negotiations were conducted by plaintiffs’ counsel with experience in class proceedings.”
“I am satisfied it is apparent from the material, which is complicated, and, I might say very well organized...”
“Plaintiff’s counsel are senior members of the bar who have extensive experience in personal injury litigation and class actions..”
“Mr. Klein is experienced and able in relation to class proceedings. Over time he has acquired expertise that permits him to make a valuable contribution...”
“The lead class counsel is experienced and has been recognized by the courts in approving settlements in other class actions.”
“Counsel for the plaintiffs in the various jurisdictions appear to be experienced in class proceedings, and to be recognized as skilled litigators.”
“…Plaintiff’s counsel retained the British Columbia law firm of Klein Lawyers to assist in the litigation. That firm has extensive experience...”
“Klein Lawyers is a litigation firm focusing on class actions. The firm is based in Vancouver but also has a Toronto office.”
“The proposed Class Counsel have excellent qualifications…”
“Mr. Klein of Klein Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in the field of class action litigation and has appeared as plaintiffs’ counsel in over 25 certified class actions...”
“Class counsel, Klein Lawyers LLP and Kim Orr Barristers P.C., are highly experienced in class action litigation. Both firms have practiced in the specialized area of class action litigation for over 20 years”
“British Columbia class counsel took on this case on a contingency basis, and faced a real risk of not being paid at all for their services.”
“Class counsel pursued this litigation to completion on their own rather than with a consortium of counsel from various provinces.”
“Klein Lawyers has continuously posted updates about the case on its website during the litigation, and has posted the court decisions...”
“There is little doubt that the lawyers of the firm expended a great deal of time in prosecuting the action, in negotiating a settlement...”
“…Class counsel undertook an extensive communication plan to advise potential class members of the proposed settlement and to advise them of the...”