About those Exxon Valdez lists

Posted by The Highliner

Posted: November 16, 2008 - 3:19 am

Comments (0) |

Last week, after I posted some lists showing dollar amounts many Exxon Valdez claimants might receive this year, I was besieged with phone calls and e-mails.

The top questions were: Where do I find the lists? And why is my name not on one of them?

To the many who inquired but never heard back from me, I apologize.

Here’s a little Q&A that might clear things up:

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Q: Where can I find the lists?

A: I’ve posted two batches so far.

The first was on a Nov. 6 post titled, “How much will you get?”

I posted the second batch just this morning.

Links to the lists are at the bottom of each post.

Q: Who put these lists together, anyway?

A: Not me! Lawyers who are handling Exxon Valdez money on behalf of the plaintiffs compiled them.

The lawyers also filed them as public records in court, which is how I got them.

Q: So why did the lawyers file the lists?

A: Because they’re asking a judge to approve paying the listed amounts. The lists are exhibits for the judge to see.

Q: Why am I or someone I know not on the list?

A: Lots of reasons. And you probably would know better than me.

The lawyers say the big lists I posted Nov. 6 do not include people who have a lien, levy or some other hold against their Exxon payment.

Q: I fished for salmon at Bristol Bay. Where’s my name listed?

A: It’s not yet. Because of the thousands of claimants involved, the lawyers are proposing to distribute money in stages, starting with only 13 of the 51 claim categories.

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I’ll conclude by noting the distribution of Exxon money, and the factors that went into determining who gets how much, are darned complicated.

It might help to read this court filing from David Oesting, lead lawyer for the plaintiffs. He explains the planned payout process and why your name might be missing from the lists.

More questions? Ask the lawyers. A phone number and updates can be found here.

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