The cases were settled several years later with the creation of a $32 million settlement fund.
A settlement fund totaling $3.4 billion is to be distributed to class members.
The Act also created a $3.5 million settlement fund, funded by a federal appropriation.
It will contribute $325 million to a settlement fund in the next three years.
Both shipping lines contributed to a settlement fund for the victims.
From that point, Roberts supervised the distribution of the settlement funds.
For those who want to try the global settlement fund, lawyers have one bit of advice: Don't rush.
Previous large settlement funds have sometimes left people with far less than they expected.
Already $106 million of settlement funds is held in escrow by Chemical.
During the year, Prudential set aside $430 million in reserves, which were used to finance the settlement fund.