Lump Sum Class Action

by **Teentitan** Wed 23 Nov 2011, 11:17

Despite the clear indications, both practical and academic, that the Lump Sum payments are short-changing disabled veterans the government prefers to fight in court and not make meaningful change to the system.

The New Veterans Charter (NVC) came into force 01 April 2006. The NVC pays a one-time lump sum payment instead of a long-term disability payment. What the NVC pays to disabled soldiers is a fraction of what they need, is less than workman’s compensation, and that of any other federal government employee including MPs. It is clear that veterans are not being treated with any equality.

In an effort to remedy the situation, and based upon the current government combativeness, Don Sorochan a partner at Miller Thomas, has taken up the cause. He feels that the class action could change how Ottawa treats disabled vets. He has been working with Jim Scott of the Equitas Society to bring the class action to fruition.

On November 17, 2011, Equitas Society held a private function at the Vancouver Club with 50 invited guests. Don Sorochan spoke about the class action. The function was a success. Equitas need many more such successes as they begin building a war chest to support the legal disbursements associated with the case.

In the November Equitas Society President Report, Jim Scott wrote: “Regarding disabled soldiers who are contacting Equitas, on average two soldiers per week make an inquiry. Once these soldiers are determined to have made a claim under the New Veterans Charter, they are put in direct contact with Miller Thomson. Their files remain confidential to the law firm and Equitas has no other dealings with the soldiers unless the soldiers wish to stay in contact, a few do.”

The Equitas Society encourages soldiers to come forward on their webpage.

“If you are a soldier who has made a disability claim under the New Veterans Charter, and you need to speak with someone at EQUITAS, please send us an e-mail, including your telephone number to: info@equitassociety.ca”

http://justalternativemedia.com/veteran/a-dirty-little-skirmish-lump-sum-class-action/