Category: Recalls
Eye injury group action claims for compensation
Eye injury group action cases can mean representing some of the most seriously injured people there can be when this vital sense is harmed or adversely affected by a problem.
We have, and still do, represent people claiming in group/multi-party cases for eye injury claims. If you need advice about an ongoing action, or about a potential new action, we are always happy to hear from you.
You can speak to the team for free, no-obligation advice here now.
The priority of protecting consumers from unsafe products
Protecting consumers from unsafe products must always be seen as an absolute priority in the UK and, indeed, around the world.
This is why we were keen to see the results of a recent parliamentary publication. This publication has highlighted a number of flaws and matters to be addressed to ensure that the public is properly protected from harm. We will take a brief look at the headings in terms of the areas of concern, and give our expert take on things.
In terms of action for justice, we remind people that we can represent victims of harm caused by products on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Hernia mesh compensation case – we can help
Despite their use in patient treatment for a long time, hernia mesh implants have become a huge cause for concern after many patients have come forward to report complications resulting from the use of mesh. According to some estimations, as many as tens of thousands of patients who have undergone mesh surgery in recent years could face complications further down the line. In a hernia mesh compensation case, people could pursue compensation claims for any suffering from harmful consequences from hernia mesh, and it may be that they were victims of medical negligence.
Prior to recent shocking revelations, many patients who agreed to undergo surgery to implant hernia mesh may have had little to no knowledge of the potential dangers associated with the medical device. Where doctors may have offered the treatment with little regard for potential pain and injuries, they may have breached their duty of care, and their actions could constitute medical negligence.
If you are among those who have been affected by mesh implants, we know that the pain and suffering may have taken a severe toll on your life. We are here to support you through this difficult time, and to give you the chance to claim the compensation you deserve.
Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles
An update has recently been issued by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) warning of the potential dangers of Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles produced by the manufacturer. After concerns were raised about certain batches, the manufacturer issued a Field Safety Notice recalling the five batches of needles in question, according to the MHRA. Used by healthcare services across the UK, there is a worry that a potentially harmful substance may have been unknowingly injected into patients.
Over the years, we have taken on a number of claims regarding faulty or harmful medical products, including hernia mesh and metal-on-metal hip implants. One of our biggest group litigation cases is that of the PIP breast implants – in our action, we have already recovered over £1m in compensation for the victims.
Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that anyone has been harmed by the Medoject needles, we believe that all cases like these require thorough investigation.
MHRA raises alert regarding potential “incomplete sterilisation” – Steril Milano
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK government regulator that monitors the practices of medical product manufacturers and the safety of the goods they produce, has reportedly identified fraudulent activity involving a company based in Italy. Steril Milano is understood to provide services for sterilising medical equipment and devices for a number of manufacturers, including some who supply products to the UK.
However, following its acquisition by a new parent company in 2021, it is believed that Steril Milano did not complete sterilisation processes to the required standard for dozens of manufacturers to whom it provides its services. In response, according to the MHRA, they were forced to take action to ensure that the risk to patients in the UK is minimised.
Whenever concerns are raised about the safety of medical products, it is essential that regulators act to investigate the manufacturers suspected of negligence, as well as alerting relevant hospitals and healthcare centres to give them an opportunity to protect their patients. The MHRA has hopefully acted quickly enough in this case to prevent as many patients as possible from being harmed.
Allegations against Renault denied by former chief
The former executive of car companies Renault and Nissan has come forward to deny the allegations against Renault, acting as a witness in French investigations that are ongoing into the carmaker. Carlos Ghosn himself became the subject of controversy after he was reportedly arrested in Japan for alleged financial misconduct, which was said to be due to misuse of company money. It was then reported that he later travelled to Lebanon and may have been able to evade the charges against him.
However, in the latest emission scandal news, Ghosn was speaking in relation to the charges against the company that he formerly led, as French prosecutors recently charged Renault with deceit following lengthy investigations. Mirroring the company’s own response to the accusations, Ghosn refuted the claims of any wrongdoing.
Emissions fraud first became a topic of major public discussion when the Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal broke in 2015. This came with the revelations that the carmaker had been using illegal defeat devices that were designed to cheat emissions tests, something they have continually denied. Our initiation of High Court proceedings against Volkswagen in 2016 has helped to pave the way for the carmaker being held responsible for issues with emissions software, and we are seeking to hold further carmakers accountable for any alleged emissions fraud. If it is found that your vehicle has been affected by emissions irregularities, you may be entitled to claim compensation now.
Ian Paterson compensation claims
In 2017, former breast surgeon Ian Paterson was reportedly jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent, with an additional three wounding charges. The criminal conviction demonstrates the severity of the case, which represents one of the most serious and wide-reaching cases of medical malpractice ever seen in the UK. However, the case against Paterson is far from over, with latest reports revealing that thousands of further victims may be able to engage in the Ian Paterson compensation claims processes.
A new patient recall issued by Spire Healthcare, a private provider by which Paterson was employed for a number of years, is understood to encompass some 5,500 former patients of Paterson. This may mean that thousands more victims might have suffered due to unnecessary procedures, including breast surgery and harmful ‘cleavage-sparing’ mastectomies. Additional victims could now be eligible to recover damages also.
As specialists in medical negligence and group actions, our legal representation has been available to victims since the scandal first came about. We urge any further victims who have been notified by the hospitals who employed Ian Paterson to come forward and claim the compensation they may be owed. Although nothing can reverse the harm caused to you, it is vital that those responsible are held to account for the harm caused.
Spire Healthcare court case leads to fine
The Spire Healthcare court case has now come to a conclusion after the group was reportedly told to pay a total of £20,104.36, £5,000 of which was a fine, according to Leeds Live. The Care Quality Commission, which is understood to have never taken an independent healthcare provider to court before, pursued Spire Healthcare with legal action over allegations that the provider had allegedly delayed telling patients that they had been subjected to potentially negligent care.
The court case was not related to the medical negligence itself, but the case did concern Spire Healthcare’s reported failure to act upon the failings in patient treatment carried out by Michael Walsh, a former surgeon at the company.
As specialists in medical negligence, it always triggers alarm bells for us when we hear that negligent treatment may have been covered up or played down. Healthcare organisations have a duty to thoroughly scrutinise any suspicions of malpractice, or they could be responsible for letting patients down and putting them at risk. We are pleased to see that the Care Quality Commission has taken successful legal action in this case.
Renault diesel emissions investigations lead to charge for carmaker
The Renault diesel emissions investigations in France have now given way to a charge relating to alleged deceit against the carmaker, whom prosecutors have reportedly accused of test-cheating and emissions software manipulation. Renault continues to dispute the allegations, but given the widespread emissions scandal affecting the car industry, the carmaker looks set to face further scrutiny in the courts.
In 2015, the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal first hit the headlines after VW was accused of using illegal defeat device technology in its diesel vehicles as a means of manipulating their emissions output during testing. Since then, the majority of major carmakers have been subjected to similar allegations, leading to billions of pounds in fines and potential compensation pay-outs internationally.
Your Lawyers was the first firm to initiate formal High Court proceedings against Volkswagen in England and Wales, and were later appointed to the Steering Committee responsible for the overall conduct of the Group Litigation Order. Now, we want to ensure that all those affected by emissions irregularities have a chance to claim the compensation they could be entitled to in our emissions group actions.
The difficulties of vaginal mesh removal
As stories of vaginal mesh complications continue to emerge, many of those who have suffered from the implants are seeking treatment to lessen or stop the pain and injuries they have faced. However, the difficulties of vaginal mesh removal can mean that some of the harmful consequences are, unfortunately, irreversible.
Vaginal mesh implants, used to treat things like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, have been the subject of controversy for many years. While approved by the UK regulator, the MHRA, the issue of serious complications can be shocking, with many women speaking out about the complications that they have suffered. In response, we have taken on claims from many women affected by the implants, who we believe are eligible to claim compensation for the harm they have been caused.