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Senator George Mitchell to Help Resolve Maine, Montreal & Atlantic Railway Bankruptcy
[January 29, 2014]

Senator George Mitchell to Help Resolve Maine, Montreal & Atlantic Railway Bankruptcy


CHICAGO --(Business Wire)--

Chicago law firm, Meyers & Flowers, announced that the Unofficial Committee of Wrongful Death Claimants in the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed a plan today. A key element of the plan is the appointment of former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell as the Plan Fiduciary. MMA filed for bankruptcy after one of its trains derailed and exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec on July 6, 2013.

The bankruptcy court has approved the sale of the railroad, with the closing expected in March. The trains will keep running, but no money is being set aside for the victims. Insurance coverage of at least $25 million is available, and negotiations are continuing with the insurance company and other stakeholders. It is hoped that with Senator Mitchell's leadership, a consensual negotiation of all outstanding issues can be achieved to allow for a prompt distribution to those tragically affected by this accident.

Senator Mitchell is renowned for his leadership in bringing opposing parties together in agreement. He helped broker a peace agreement in Northern Ireland, which earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also instrumental in Middle East peace negotiations and in leading the investigation of Major League Baseball regarding performance enhancing drugs.

"Knowing of Senator Mitchell's rcord in this regard, we think he can help break the bankruptcy logjam," said Peter Flowers, whose Chicago law firm, along with attorneys Jason Webster and Mitchell A. Toups, represents the Unofficial Committee.



The proposed plan provides for the insurer to settle, or else to turn over a portion of the policy proceeds to the MMA's bankruptcy estate. The plan includes a split of insurance proceeds whereby 75% would be distributed to claims for wrongful death and personal injury claims, which would be paid through the chapter 11 case, and 25% would be distributed to property damage claimants through the Canadian insolvency proceeding of MMA's Canadian subsidiary.

"The idea," explained Mr. Flowers, "is to get this done quickly by dividing responsibility between the U.S. and Canadian cases rather than have a tug of war. We hope Senator Mitchell can help rally support for a compromise."


About Meyers & Flowers

Meyers & Flowers is a Top Law Firm in Chicago, boasting experienced, knowledgeable trial attorneys with a long resume of victories and large awards for our clients. Our attorneys have the expertise and experience to pursue the prosecution of large-scale litigation. They have successfully won mass settlement cases against negligent or criminal device manufacturers.

http://www.meyers-flowers.com

About Peter Flowers

Attorney Peter J. Flowers is partner in the firm of Meyers & Flowers in Chicago. He has represented countless families whose lives have been tragically changed because of medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries from workplace injuries and automobile accidents, and from defective products. His hands-on approach to litigation has earned Flowers tremendous results and numerous honors over the years. He's been named an Illinois Super Lawyer in the area of medical malpractice, and recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Illinois by his peers, a distinction earned by only 5% of the state's lawyers. He is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, for resolving many cases in excess of $1 million, and the elite Verdict Club Society, which includes top attorneys from around the United States. Pete is an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and over the years has served in a number of leadership positions.


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