The victims may get their money. But the amount could be dramatically less than expected.

We've told you about the ongoing struggle between victims who took the sometimes-deadly diet combination Fen Phen. Thousands who used the drug were told the drug maker would settle their claims, and pay them for suffering. But it's been three years and few have actually seen any money.

April Linder has been waiting three years for half a million dollars. Money that would compensate her for heart valve problems her doctors say are a direct result of taking Fen Phen.

Now lawyers who represent about 40 thousand Fen Phen users are contemplating a new deal with the drug maker Wyeth.

“It’s a payoff to get people to shut up and go away.”

The latest hope for Linder and the others is called the 7th amendment. If accepted, Wyeth would put in another 1 point 27 billion dollars. Those in the class action suit would be guaranteed to get their money by 2005, but the amount would be drastically reduced.

In Linder’s case, her promised 500 thousand dollar settlement would be closer to 50 thousand.

Lawyers have until the end of June to see how many clients are willing to enter this deal...

Attorneys admit it's a gamble, but it's safer than holding out for bigger settlements.

At the end of this week, the drug maker and attorneys will evaluate how many victims are willing to enter this compromised agreement. If there's not enough interest, the attorneys will continue to fight it out, trying to get money out of the original trust set up 3 years ago.