The Am Law Daily has reported…
that Chinese Courts are to Accept Tainted-Milk Suits
Anthony Lin the Am Law Daily HK correspondent reports:
Chinese courts will begin accepting lawsuits over melamine-tainted milk, the country’s official media reported this week.
According to China Daily, Shen Deyong, executive vice president of the Supreme People’s Court said in a government Web cast that courts are ready to accept victims’ families’ compensation cases.
"A small number of the infant victims’ parents have not accepted the government-led compensation and have prepared pleas," said Shen. "The people’s courts (at various levels) have prepared for the work. They will accept the compensation cases according to the law."
The widespread adulteration of milk with melamine to artificially boost its protein content killed six children and sickened thousands more. But class action lawsuits filed on behalf of the victims have largely been either rejected or ignored by Chinese courts, reflecting the ruling Communist Party’s reluctance to encourage private litigation over politically sensitive issues.
But the settlement of most claims, apparently including those of the families whose children died, may have eased the government’s concerns.
