The growing involvement of Bosch in the Volkswagen Emission Scandal
One of the first things we looked at was the technicalities behind how Volkswagen had developed intelligent software to basically know when a vehicle is being tested, and know when it’s not.
The science behind it is easy to grasp – the tests are so linear and standard that the technology knows when the car is being tested, by knowing things like steering patterns; speed; longevity of the drive; temperatures, etc.
But, whilst the parameters are easy to recognise, the technology is a pretty sophisticated piece of kit.
And that’s where Bosch comes in.
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The CMA are investigating a merger between children toy suppliers VTech and LeapFrog
Children’s toys and tech are expensive enough. Parents don’t need any reminders that the cost some of the latest toys and gadgets can attract, especially in peak times around Christmas.
So, although any merger situation is likely to be investigated by the CMA, to ensure competition is never adversely affected, it could be even more appropriate when it comes to pricey toys.
The CMA are looking in to the completed acquisition by VTech Holdings Limited of LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. in this case.
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Mazda recall 190,000 vehicles in the U.S. over reported steering control loss defect
Mazda are recalling 190,000 CX-7 sport vehicles after a potentially dangerous steering control problem was identified which could lead to a driver losing control of the steering function.
Water can reportedly enter the front suspension ball joint fittings which may then lead to corrosion and separation of joints, and eventually steering control loss.
The affected vehicles are said to have been manufactured between February 2006 and May 2012
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Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump system prone to insulin leaks – risk of hyperglycaemia
A Medical Device Alert has been issued with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump system using NovoRapid PumpCart cartridges which is reportedly prone to leakage.
Leakage of the devices, manufactured by Roche Diabetes Care, could lead to serious consequences for users, which could include hyperglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or even death.
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Wen hair products allegedly causing hair loss
OUR GROUP ACTION LAWYERS ARE INVESTIGATING THE FINDINGS AND ACCEPTING CASES FOR ANYONE AFFECTED
Celebrity endorsed hair care brand Wen has arguably done anything but deliver on the promise to ‘cleanse and condition the hair simultaneously’.
With more than 21,000 complaints lodged, and over 200 people reportedly affected in the United States, Wen hair products have allegedly made one of many woman’s worst nightmares come true – it allegedly made their hair fall out.
The damage the product has allegedly caused to women ranges from bald spots to complete baldness, and also causing scalp irritation and hair discolouration. This has led to women being unable to leave their houses and suffering depression.
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Truck Cartel – our experience in group actions
The companies involved in the truck cartel have received fines from the Commission of over 2.9 billion Euros. This has stemmed from a cartel that was uncovered by a whistle blower involving several major truck manufacturers.
Companies who bought heavy to medium duty trucks may be able to claim damages due to the truck cartel being investigated for breaches of the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002.
Due to the truck companies involved being international and supplying to the EU, the companies also reportedly breached The Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union, thus breaching EU law.
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Tullett Prebon and ICAP merger inquiry
In June, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that the anticipated acquisition of ICAP PLC by Tullett Prebon of the voice/hybrid broking business may result in a substantial lessening of competition.
The CMA said it would be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless an acceptable undertaking was offered by Tullet Prebon.
The two parties, Tullet and ICAP, both overlap in the supply of wholesale intermediary services, mainly in voice/hybrid broking services to institutions that trade financially, and commodity instruments over the counter as well as in exchange based markets.
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Class 2 medicines recall – Respontin Nebules
Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd is recalling four batches of Respontin Nebules due to results of impurities during a routine stability testing.
The batches are being recalled because of specification results for impurities being found during a routine stability testing. As far as the company is aware, there have been no adverse reactions from taking the drugs that have been reported.
But we all know how serious such small problems with medicines and medical products can be. Our Group Action Lawyers have been fighting for the rights of medical group cases for years, so know all too well how bad things can get…
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Medical Device Alert – Blood glucose monitors
Blood glucose monitors that are for home use are at risk of producing false low blood glucose level results.
It is the TRUEresult and TRUEtrack blood glucose test strips that are possibly producing these false results, which has triggered an MHRA Medical Device Alert.
If you use these devices, you should take heed of this warning, and contact a medical professional or doctor if you are concerned.
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SerenoCem Ear Cement and Granules – risk of bone reabsorbtion
UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CASES IN THIS MATTER.
Corinthian Surgical Ltd issued a Field Safety Notice in March 2016 about bone reabsorbtion around granules implanted in the middle ear. Patients that were implanted with SerenoCem Granules for destruction of the mastoid cavity are possibly affected.
Patients did not show any symptoms, but reabsorbtion showed up on a CT scan. The reabsorbtion varied from being limited to extensive.
There are clinical risks associated with bone reabsorbtion in the middle ear such as inflammation (that can be infective), which can lead to infection and inflammation of the middle posterior fossa dura, facial nerve, and the inner ear. This can lead to more serious risk such as meningitis, loss of hearing, and facial palsy. However there have been no report of these complications.
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Draeger Medical Ventilation circuits may leak at check valve
Disposable Paediatric ventilation circuits manufactured by Draeger Medical up to March 2016 may leak at the check valve. This puts children at risk of re-breathing exhaled gases, and has triggered MHRA intervention.
Since it has been discovered, Draeger Medical has issued a notice to all those who have, and still use, the device that requires them to identify and quarantine the affected circuits and to return them to Draeger Medical for replacement.
If the circuits have already been disposed of, Draeger Medical still needs to be informed in order to send a replacement. Draeger Medical are to be contacted to acknowledge receipt of the FSN even if you do not have the defected device in stock.
If no alternatives are available, Draeger Medical recommends carrying out a risk assessment in guidance with the FSN. All healthcare workers who use the devices are expected to carry out these actions between 17th of August 2016 and 3rd October 2016, and a suggested distribution list can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Company expose St Alban’s family to asbestos risk
Asbestos has affected thousands of people and damages have run in to the millions of pounds for those who have sought compensation. All in all, asbestos as a legal action has been one of the most significant in the UK, and across the world.
To this day, we are still seeing new cases and stories crop up which is a combination of a lack of knowledge about the locations of asbestos; a lack of safeguarding for buildings where asbestos has been used; and because the symptoms of asbestos related illnesses often take years to appear.
In this recent story, a family of four and two workmen in St Albans were put at risk by a Hertfordshire based home improvement company – Ace of Hearts Home Improvement Limited as they attempted to remove asbestos containing material from the domestic property improperly.
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