Adam Romney, an attorney representing the insurance providers, stated during the hearing, “The relief they are seeking is to say this is all the money that’s ever going to be, and they’re entitled to all of it, but it’s insufficient to pay everybody equitably.”
On the other hand, victims’ attorneys argue that insurers can only seek reimbursement if they can prove that victims have been fully compensated for all damages. Attorney Aaron Creps highlighted this point with a hypothetical scenario: “If a victim receives $5,000 from the settlement and $1,000 from insurance, they would have to pay that $1,000 back—less a reduction for attorney’s fees and costs incurred to pursue their claim.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges Remain
Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the case, acknowledged the complexity of fairly distributing billions of dollars among thousands of families while also addressing insurers’ reimbursement claims. “I have to tell you, a settlement to get where we’re at now may be an easier task than what remains to be done,” Cahill remarked, signaling the tough road ahead.
