Harmful Product Group Action Case Studies

Hugh James case studies

 


Seroxat

Seroxat is the trade name for paroxetine a member of a chemically related family of compounds known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) the most familiar of which is fluoxetine (Prozac).

Seroxat is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Hugh James has been granted a Group Litigation Order to lead claims on behalf of several hundred people who allege withdrawal reactions through their use of the drug.

Please see our dedicated Seroxat page for further details.

If you require more information about Seroxat, please contact Mark Harvey

 

Cataract Lenses

In 2005 Hugh James negotiated a settlement protocol which avoided litigation, on behalf of the victims of a defective intraocular replacement lens.

The protocol involved check-ups and remedial treatment for the victims, payment of their expenses and compensation for the distress and inconvenience caused, with the result that expensive and lengthy litigation was avoided whilst providing a real remedy over and above the payment of compensation. 

If you feel you have suffered as a result of cataract lenses or require more information please contact Mark Harvey

 

Charite Replacement Lumbar Discs

Hugh James is in discussion with New Jersey law firm Bagolie Friedman and Illinois firm Foote, Meyers, Mielke and Flowers regarding problems experienced by recipients of the Charite Artificial Lumbar Disc. The firms have created the international Charite Artificial Disc Practice Group in response to the serious problems encountered by these patients.

Court proceedings were issued by Hugh James on behalf of a woman from Northern England who was fitted with the Charite Artificial Lumbar disc and who has been told that it is damaged. She is now back in her pre-operation state.

Please see our charite replacement lumbar discs information page.

If you require further information on replacement lumbar discs contact Mark Harvey

 

'Quick-fit' knees and hips that can wear out in three years

"Thousands of patients having hip or knee replacements on the NHS may find that their new joints do not last more than a few years."

The Times; 02 September 2008.

A study of joint replacements in England has found that the latest surgical techniques of hip resurfacing and partial knee replacement have a lower success rate than the older established methods where the entire joint is replaced.

The researchers on behalf of The Royal College of Surgeons found that the newer surgical joints could be twice as likely to fail than standard ones. Where for example in a total hip replacement the failure rate is said to be 1 in 111 patients, in the more modern surgery where one fits a cap over the head of the thigh bone connecting to a socket rather than a full hip replacement, the failure rate accelerates to 1 in 38 cases.

 

DePuy ASR hip replacement implants have recently been recalled. Hugh James are acting on behalf of former patients.The recall includes those involved in both the total hip replacement surgery and hip resurfacing.

 

If you have concerns that your hip or knee repair has failed earlier than you were led to believe then you may be entitled to compensation please contact Mark Harvey for more information.

Related articles

  • De Puy hips recall  07 | 04 | 11
  • Quick-fit’ knee and hip replacements that can wear out in three years

         The Times 02-Sept-08 (read The Times article)

  • Revision rates after primary hip and knee replacement in England between 2003 and 2006

         PLoS Medicine Journal 02-Sept 08 (read PLos Medicine Journal article)

 

Vinyl chloride exposure linked to fatal liver tumours

Significant evidence has revealed that vinyl chloride is a carcinogen and linked to angiosarcoma of the liver; an extremely rare and rapidly fatal tumour.

People who have worked with vinyl chloride have developed cancers and also developed nerve damage and immune reactions. Other workers have developed problems with blood flow in their hands causing the tips of their fingers to become white and painful particularly when in cold temperatures.  In extreme cases, the bones in the tips of fingers have broken down.

Millions of pounds in compensation have already been recovered from workers compensation cases brought in the UK as well as in the US.

There has been much controversy about the plastic industry’s knowledge of the risks of vinyl chloride.  Until 1961, the occupational exposure limit was 50 parts per million, this was then reduced to 50 parts per million but by 1972 the 8 hour exposure limit was reduced to 1 part per million.

At normal temperatures, vinyl chloride is a colourless, flammable gas with a mild, sweet odour.  It is a manufactured substance that is used to make polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which in turn is used to make a variety of plastic products.  Vinyl chloride has been used in polymerisation and PVC fabrication plants in various parts of the UK including at ICI and Dow Corning Chemicals.

 

How we can help

We are experts in dealing with ill health and disease claims and our experts can provide specialist advice in relation to cases involving vinyl chloride exposure.

Please contact Mark Harvey for more information.

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Contact

Mark Harvey colourMark Harvey

Partner, Head of the Claimant Division

Head of Harmful Products and Overseas Accidents Team

 

E mark.harvey@hughjames.com

T 029 2039 1174


Call our claims enquiry hotline on

029 2078 5971 or fax 029 2078 6733

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