Group Action Lawyers
Latest News & Updates

baby products
October 13, 2017
Britax recalls over 207,000 infant car seats due to a choking risk

Manufacturer of car seats and strollers, Britax, are reportedly recalling a number of their infant car seats as the chest clip between the safety straps may be a choking hazard.

Affected models of infant car seats include the B-Safe 25, BOB B-Safe 35; and the 35 Elite.

It’s thought that the recall is limited to models manufactured between 1st November 2015 and 31st May 2017, and it’s thought to be a pre-emptive one as no injuries have been reported so far.
Continue Reading…

vaginal mesh implant inquiry
October 11, 2017
Endo International Plc to put aside more than £580 million to pay off mesh lawsuits

Global pharmaceutical company Endo International Plc are reportedly putting aside another £583 million to settle the remaining vaginal mesh lawsuits made against them. The staggering but deserved sum is to go towards settling some 22,000 lawsuits internationally, and Endo are to begin paying the amount in instalments at the end of this year and into 2019.

They have not admitted any liability.

The £583 million is in addition to the over £2 billion already agreed for 48,000 cases. Last year, Endo reportedly paid out over £800 million in mesh legal settlements.
Continue Reading…

October 09, 2017
Consumers encouraged to take caution over cosmetics and toiletries

Cosmetic procedures and products are often assumed to be safe for use, but authorities are warning consumers to be aware of the potential dangers and risks that can be associated with them.

Whilst manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products comply with relevant legislation, it doesn’t mean they always do; nor does it mean every product is safe for use by every individual.

On top of that, some people may not be aware of the risks because they fail to research products more thoroughly. Complacency is a common pitfall when people fall victim to cosmetic product problems…
Continue Reading…

steel plant fined
October 06, 2017
Steel company fined £1 million over flammable toxic cloud that endangered employees

A number of employees at Tata Steel were reportedly exposed to a toxic gas that could have killed them or at least seriously maimed them if ignited. Two employees found themselves choking on the airborne chemicals and “suffered coughing and breathing difficulties”.

Both were admitted to hospital for treatment.

The Scunthorpe site in question is reportedly registered as a “top tier” Control of Major Accidents Hazards, as the site stored a lot of dangerously toxic and extremely flammable substances. With the serious risk of explosion and harm, Tata Steel were accused of failing to protect their workers.
Continue Reading…

traffic
October 04, 2017
German financial authorities to investigate major car makers over suspected cartel

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for Germany has confirmed with German newspaper, Handelsblatt, that they will indeed be “examining whether VW and Daimler respected their duty to inform markets following their allegedly reporting themselves to the authorities” of alleged wrongdoing.

On top of that, Volkswagen and Daimler have reportedly admitted to colluding amongst themselves and other carmakers to discuss sensitive business topics. In exchanging such information and advice, the car makers may be guilty of creating a cartel, which is prohibited in EU law as they can be harmful to the market and its consumers.
Continue Reading…

nail care products
October 02, 2017
Regulators issue reminder warnings for nail care products

Regulators are reminding the public to be cautious over nail care products as there are a number of health risks associated with their use.

Nail polishes need to be strong to resist chipping or flaking, and nail polish removers need to be even stronger to dissolve the polish. These products therefore contain a medley of chemicals that can be extremely dangerous when used for other purposes, so for those who enjoy a manicure or pedicure, or simply live with someone who possesses nail care products, take note.
Continue Reading…

easyJet data breach claim
September 29, 2017
JetBlue Airways sued for violent turbulence, injuring 27 on board

JetBlue Flight 429 took off from Boston, Massachusetts on 11th August 2016, heading towards Sacramento in California. During the flight, the aircraft came into contact with extreme turbulence which forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Once landed, 24 passengers and 3 crew members were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

In this rather unique and possibly groundbreaking legal case, we’re seeing passengers sue an airline as a result of adverse weather and it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
Continue Reading…

traffic
September 27, 2017
Honda recalls over 24,000 cars after manufacturing defect may cause risk of fuel leak

Honda has issued a voluntary recall for 24,000 cars over concerns that its fuel supply pipes may not be connected properly, or may come apart, and may therefore leak fuel; and pose a risk of fire.

The two models involved in the recall are:

  • AWD Honda CR-V Touring
  • 2WD Honda CR-V

If the pipes disconnect, flow of fuel could be disrupted, leading to the engine stalling and therefore increasing the risk of an accident. On top of that, as with any fuel leak, there is a risk of fire as well.
Continue Reading…

easyJet data breach claim
September 25, 2017
The Case of the Incredible Shrinking Airline Seats…

Unless you have the luxury of flying first-class or some other form of premium package, air plane journeys can be a nightmare with the small space you’re sometimes allocated. However, a recent ruling in the U.S. held that there are health and safety risks associated with having such a small space whilst flying, and this is something we’re going to watch closely here in the U.K.

Although the ruling technically has no legal bearing on us here in Britain, it may lead to similar investigations and cases being tried with similar outcomes.
Continue Reading…

iphone
September 22, 2017
Apple faces lawsuit for allegedly “breaking” FaceTime on older iPhone models continues…

A lawsuit is being brought against the giant corporation, Apple Inc, for allegedly disabling FaceTime video conferencing apps on their older model iPhones. Some suggest Apple are doing this to force customers to upgrade to more expensive and newer models.

Apple attempted to get the lawsuit dismissed, but reportedly failed.

A Judge in the case ruled that customers who own the iPhone 4 and 4S models can join a class action for Apple’s alleged behaviour. Users claim that Apple has no right to discontinue a feature purely on older generation models.
Continue Reading…

September 20, 2017
Lawsuit filed against EpiPen manufacturers for alleged “price gouging”

A lawsuit has been filed against a medical manufacturer who are alleged to have charged higher prices for its asthma medication.

High charges for asthma medication is a hot topic here in the U.K., with many believing it’s not something people should have to pay for.

The EpiPen – the medication at the centre of the allegations – is an injector pen that contains epinephrine; a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. It’s frequently used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) against insect stings or bites, foods, drugs etc. It’s a device that can save lives.
Continue Reading…

iphone
September 18, 2017
275,000 glitter iPhone cases recalled that may cause severe chemical burns

275,000 glitter iPhone cases have been recalled after reports of at least two dozen people receiving chemical burns from their leaked iPhone cases.

The manufacturer uses a liquid gel mixed with glitter to allow the glitter particles to move around slowly like the contents of a snow globe. So far, 24 people have reported burns from these cases, manufactured to fit the iPhone 6, 6S and 7. The cases come in a variety of patterns and colours, retailing up to around £50.00.
Continue Reading…