PIP Breast Implant Compensation Ireland
PIP Breast Implant Defective Product Claims
On the 31st March 2010 the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) announced an official recall of all silicone breast implants manufactured by a French company named Poly Implant Prothese (PIP).
The recall was originally ordered after the French medical device regulatory authority discovered that the breast implants have a significantly higher than average rate of rupture due to the defective nature of their outer shell.
Investigations which have been conducted since the recall was announced have shown that, rather than using medical-grade materials, PIP had been filling its breast implants with industrial-grade silicone containing fuel additives called Baysilone, Silopren and Rhodosil which are industrial materials not approved for clinical use and which can have potentially harmful effects on human health.
Symptoms after a rupture include swelling, pain, burning, rippling, lumps and hardness. If the silicone migrates to the lymph nodes lumps may be observed under the armpit. In some cases where a rupture has not occurred the implants would also appear to allow a ‘silicone bleed’ into the system without women experiencing noticeable symptoms. While there has been some concern expressed that the silicone used in PIP breast implants could cause cancer, there is presently no scientific evidence to prove this link.
These breast implants have been on the market since 2001 and, according to the IMB’s statement they were used by three private clinics in this country, namely Harley Medical Group in Dublin, Clane Hospital in Co. Kildare, and the Shandon Street Hospital in Cork. The IMB has further stated that approximately 1,500 Irish women are affected by the recall.
While we are representing women throughout the country from each of the three clinics mentioned above, we are also acting for women who have received confirmation from other clinics not referred to in the IMB’s statement that PIP implants were used in their breast augmentation procedures. The figure of 1,500 must therefore be regarded with some scepticism and we would advise all women who have undergone breast augmentation procedures in Ireland in the last ten years to make contact with the clinic where the surgery was performed to identify the manufacturer of the implants used in their procedures.
If these investigations confirm that PIP breast implants were in fact used, we recommend that immediate medical attention should be sought to determine whether the implants have ruptured and to ascertain whether urgent clinical intervention is required.
Once these initial medical issues have been addressed we are advising women to seek legal advice without delay to establish what their rights are regarding any costs and expenses which they incur as a result of the recall and whether they are entitled to compensation for any pain, suffering and inconvenience which they have been subjected to.
McCarthy & Co. have extensive experience in representing clients nationwide in relation to product liability and medical negligence claims. We have established a dedicated team which is committed to providing expert advice and assistance to women affected by the PIP breast implant scandal.
Our specialist team is headed up by John McCarthy who is a partner with the firm. John is collaborating with Joseph McCarthy who is an assistant solicitor focusing on cases of this nature.
If you have been affected by the PIP breast implant recall and would like to discuss your case in complete confidence and without commitment, feel free to contact either John or Joseph on 023 883 3348. Alternatively, you can make contact with John by email at john@mccarthy.ie.
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Related Blog Entries
“John interviewed in Sunday Independent on 12th February 2012”
by Flor McCarthy,
“PIP Breast Implant Recall Ireland: McCarthy Solicitors’ Latest Update”
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“PIP Breast Implant Recall Ireland: John with Anton Savage on Savage Sunday TodayFM 30th January 2012”
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“John interviewed in Sunday Independent 30th January 2012”
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“PIP Breast Implants Ireland: Latest Update – Official Confirmation on The Hospital Group”
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