PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT LIABILITY
UK CLASS ACTION CLAIMS

Our nationwide network of solicitors offer free legal advice on class action compensation claims for pharmaceutical product liability resulting from the supply and use of defective pharmaceutical drugs, non-drug bio mechanical devices and other consumer goods. Our lawyers usually employ the no win no fee scheme and compensation is paid in full with no deductions. You will not be asked to fund or finance your claim as it proceeds and you will not have to pay for any expenses.

A class action for pharmaceutical product liability usually arises from failure of manufacturers to adhere to the current regulations mostly under EC Law and contained in the UK Medicines Act of 1968. The legislation grants the right to manufacture, market, distribute, sell and supply medicines while providing consumers assurances by outlining policies regarding safety, quality and effectiveness. Furthermore before a pharmaceutical product can be distributed and sold it must undergo clinical trials and have its advertising claims scrutinised for misrepresentation. These two processes are overseen by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The MHRA must be completely satisfied with a medicines safety, quality, and effectiveness before it can be licensed and be put on shelves for sale. The MHRA is also responsible for ensuring the quality of imported pharmaceutical drugs. If the MHRA is not satisfied with quality or it finds some adverse side effects it has the power to take action to address the problem. The MHRA answers to the Health and Agriculture Ministers of UK.

Most claims for compensation resulting from defective pharmaceutical products involve a class action which is a procedural arrangement wherein multiple pharmaceutical product liability claims are tried at the same time. This is possible when more than one party claims for damages against the same producer after having sustained injuries that are similar to each other caused by the same kind of product. It is possible for individuals to file separate claims but this is not usually advised since it is less practical and financially inefficient. Furthermore a group action lends more credence to the complaints against a producer.

Anyone harmed after using pharmaceutical products does not have to prove that the manufacturer is at fault. The manufacture is absolutely liable without the necessity to prove negligence under the following legislation :-

• England and Wales - the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Modification) Order 2000 (Statutory Instrument 2000 No. 2771)
• Scotland - the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Modification) (Scotland) Order 2001 (Statutory Instrument 2001 No. 265)
• Northern Ireland - the Product Liability (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2001

If you have been injured as a result of a defective pharmaceutical product then you may be eligible for compensation. If you are interested in learning more about claiming compensation just use the helpline or complete the contact form and you will be contacted by a solicitor who is a member of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts. This phone call is a no charge, no obligation consultation and you are free to decide whether or not to continue with the action.