Global Settlement
A comprehensive resolution covering an entire claim inventory.
Structured through a settlement agreement between defendants and leadership counsel, with participation thresholds, eligibility criteria, a compensation grid, and an administration apparatus. Because MDL claims are individually owned, a global settlement binds no one who does not accept it — hence the participation walk-away rights that make thresholds so heavily negotiated.
See also
- Settlement MatrixThe formula assigning settlement values to claims by injury severity and other objective factors.
- Special MasterA neutral appointed under Rule 53 to manage discrete aspects of complex litigation.
- Claims AdministratorThe third party that processes claims, validates documentation, and distributes settlement funds.
- Qualified Settlement Fund (QSF)A court-established fund under IRC § 468B that holds settlement proceeds pending allocation.
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