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In Re: Sulzer Orthopedics and Knee Prosthesis Products Liability Litigation. Certified Class, Linda Mediate (03-4325/4518 04-3360) Cecee C. Kane and Joseph P. Kane (03-4519 04-3293/3361) v. Sulzer Medica, Sulzer Settlement Trust
Citations: 398 F.3d 782; 2005 U.S. App. LEXIS 2995Docket: 04-3293
Court: Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; February 21, 2005; Federal Appellate Court
Linda Mediate, Cecee Kane, and Joseph P. Kane, plaintiffs in a consolidated appeal, contested the findings of a Special Master regarding their entitlement to benefits under a multi-district litigation Settlement Agreement. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court's refusal to hear their challenge, emphasizing that the Settlement Agreement clearly delineated the process for applying for benefits and the finality of the Special Master's decisions. The Settlement Agreement outlined that: 1) plaintiffs must submit required forms to the Claims Administrator to apply for benefits; 2) the Claims Administrator determines entitlement; 3) any disagreement with the Claims Administrator's decision may be appealed to the Special Master; and 4) the Special Master's determination is final and binding. The plaintiffs were disqualified from benefits because their attorneys failed to submit the necessary forms on time. After the Special Master denied their challenge to this disqualification, the plaintiffs sought to appeal to the district court. However, the district court correctly stated that the Settlement Agreement did not allow for an additional appeal of the Special Master's determination, and both the district court and the appellate court lacked the authority to alter the terms of the Settlement Agreement. The appellate court adopted the district court's reasoning and affirmed its judgment.