The victims' families sued Iran, its supreme leader, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps among others, arguing they are responsible for an act of terrorism and the harm and losses the families suffered.
The families were each awarded more than $16 million in punitive damages, and $1 million each for pain and suffering. Some who lost siblings, spouses, a 22-year-old daughter, and nieces were also awarded between $150,000 and $200,000 each for loss of guidance, care and companionship. Joanna Harrington, a law professor at the University of Alberta, says the challenge now is getting the money from Iran. It's unlikely Iran has any assets in Canada, she said.
Arnold has said that his team will look to seize Iranian assets in Canada and abroad. He said Iran has oil tankers in other countries and his team will be looking to seize whatever it can to pay what the families are owed.