It’s a good day for the Oregon Qarmat Ali veterans.
Today, the Court confirmed the jury verdict in favor of the first 12 Oregon Army National Guard veterans who suffered contamination injuries at the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Iraq in 2003. Here is a link to the PDF opinion: 724 – opinion & order re trial
Judge Papak denied virtually all of KBR’s motions for which it sought a new a trial. Judge Papak left intact each veteran’s $6,250,000 punitive damage assessment and reduced each veteran’s compensatory damage assessment from $850,000 to $500,000. Judge Papak reduced those damages based on a case that came down after argument, Howell v. Boyle, 353 Or. 359, 298 P.3d 1 (2013). Just so we’re clear, the veterans disagree with the reduction part of Judge Papak’s legal ruling.
In any event, this is a great day for the veterans and their families. They told their stories to the jury, and the jury did justice. After a detailed, independent review, Judge Papak confirmed the jury’s findings.
For my part, I could not be happier for these vets and their families. When our system of justice works, it is a thing of beauty.
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