Hugh James continue to investigate PIP implant claims
Harmful products specialist solicitors Hugh
James continue to investigate potential injuries caused by
Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) silicone gel filled breast
implants
22 I 06 I 10
Hugh James reported in April the recall of all silicone gel
filled implants made by the French company Poly Implant
Prothese.
Click here to read our PIP April news story
Further information has come to
light regarding the controversial implants this week. The British
Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) (www.baaps.org.uk) has welcomed
clarification provided by the French Society of Plastic,
Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SOFCPRE). SOFCPRE, after
carrying out their own study, have recommended that women who have
PIP implants seek an ultrasound within the next six months to check
for any rupture or weakening of their implants.
Click on the links below to read further coverage on this
issue:
http://www.baaps.org.uk/about-us/press-releases/691-new-uk-guidance-on-controversail-french-implants
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/10348756.stm
The SOFCPRE study identifies that
PIP may have disposed of a protective envelope which would have
strengthened the implant and restricted the gel from travelling
into the body. It is a common complication reported to Hugh James
that silicone has travelled outside of the implant and in some
cases caused inflammation of lymph nodes and unsightly lumps.
The study also reports that the
manufacturers of the gel did not realise that PIP were using it in
breast implants, they apparently intended it to be used in
mattresses. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare
products Regulatory Agency), in conjunction with the equivalent
French authority, announced in March that they were carrying out
tests to assess the safety of the gel. The results are awaited.
In the meantime PIP has gone into
liquidation, reportedly without insurance. Hugh James are therefore
investigating alternative routes to compensation for women affected
by the latest recall.
Hugh James leads in the field of
Harmful Products litigation and has many years’ experience of
successfully winning these types of claims. Our lawyers have
successfully recovered compensation for victims of other
pharmaceutical products and medical devices including Opren, hip
and spinal prostheses and cataract lenses. We are also the lead
solicitors in the Seroxat litigation.
You should be aware that there are strict time limitations in which
you must bring a claim in this country. Please visit our
Compensation Time Limits page for further details.
Mark Harvey
Partner, Head of the Claimant Division
Head of Harmful Products and Overseas Accidents Team
E mark.harvey@hughjames.com
T 029 2039 1174