(another legal-related POD) In May 1984, to forestall torts claims and deny civil liability by VW vets and their families for medical defects and diseases allegedly caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in VN, the 7 chemical cos. being taken to court agreed to a $180 m settlement with the approx. 200,000 vets, from the US and Australia, involved in the class action (IN RE AGENT ORANGE). This settlement was agreed by the lawyers for both sides on the grounds that none of the cos. admitted any liability, and that further causes of action on the grounds of exposure to Agent Orange couldn't be brought. Many vets were very dissatisfied with this settlement, based on their being unable to tell their side of the story and make the cos. accountable for their negligence, and also with the uncertainty as to how this settlement $ would be distributed. But WI these claimants had been able to take the chemical manufacturers to court, and the majority refused to accept the settlement and wished to prove liability against the cos. for their medical conditions ? What would've been the outcome of the Agent Orange litigation ?