Tag: news
Ian Paterson compensation claims
In 2017, former breast surgeon Ian Paterson was reportedly jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent, with an additional three wounding charges. The criminal conviction demonstrates the severity of the case, which represents one of the most serious and wide-reaching cases of medical malpractice ever seen in the UK. However, the case against Paterson is far from over, with latest reports revealing that thousands of further victims may be able to engage in the Ian Paterson compensation claims processes.
A new patient recall issued by Spire Healthcare, a private provider by which Paterson was employed for a number of years, is understood to encompass some 5,500 former patients of Paterson. This may mean that thousands more victims might have suffered due to unnecessary procedures, including breast surgery and harmful ‘cleavage-sparing’ mastectomies. Additional victims could now be eligible to recover damages also.
As specialists in medical negligence and group actions, our legal representation has been available to victims since the scandal first came about. We urge any further victims who have been notified by the hospitals who employed Ian Paterson to come forward and claim the compensation they may be owed. Although nothing can reverse the harm caused to you, it is vital that those responsible are held to account for the harm caused.
Guntrader data breach – legal advice
In July, it was reported that a popular UK site designed for the sale and purchase of guns has been targeted by hackers. As a result of the Guntrader data breach, the personal safety of a number of gun owners may have been put at risk, with the exposed information potentially facilitating targeted criminal activity.
Hackers seeking to misuse personal information will often seek the most sensitive details that they can find, as this often proves to be more profitable. With cybercriminals growing in strength and enhancing their methods, it is vital that organisations in possession of personal data protect it in accordance with the law. Where they fail to do so, they could be held liable for a breach of the GDPR.
At The Group Action Lawyers, we have seen countless data breaches hit the headlines over the years, and we aim to use our expertise to help victims access the compensation that they deserve. If you have been affected by the Guntrader data breach, you may be able to make a data breach claim, and we can offer advice to any victims on their potential eligibility.
Spire Healthcare court case leads to fine
The Spire Healthcare court case has now come to a conclusion after the group was reportedly told to pay a total of £20,104.36, £5,000 of which was a fine, according to Leeds Live. The Care Quality Commission, which is understood to have never taken an independent healthcare provider to court before, pursued Spire Healthcare with legal action over allegations that the provider had allegedly delayed telling patients that they had been subjected to potentially negligent care.
The court case was not related to the medical negligence itself, but the case did concern Spire Healthcare’s reported failure to act upon the failings in patient treatment carried out by Michael Walsh, a former surgeon at the company.
As specialists in medical negligence, it always triggers alarm bells for us when we hear that negligent treatment may have been covered up or played down. Healthcare organisations have a duty to thoroughly scrutinise any suspicions of malpractice, or they could be responsible for letting patients down and putting them at risk. We are pleased to see that the Care Quality Commission has taken successful legal action in this case.
Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist investigation updated
Since the Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist investigation was revealed, the Group Action Lawyers has anticipated news of further women being added to the list of affected patients.
In December 2020, 110 more women were reportedly informed of their involvement in the inquiry so our suspicions have, unfortunately, been confirmed.
The allegations surrounding obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Daniel Hay first came to light amid a statement from the Royal Derby Hospital which revealed that eight women had been “unnecessarily harmed” by the doctor. At that point, the hospital had contacted 136 women regarding a review of their treatment, with fears that the number of patients harmed may rise. Now, the number of patients involved in the investigation stands at 382.
What next for regulators after the BA cyberattack fine?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced that the BA cyberattack fine will be issued at just £20 million following their 2018 data breach.
This came as a shock to many after the ICO announced an intention to issue a fine in the sum of £183 million last year, with the final fine involving a reduction of 90%.
It is thought that the BA fine was reduced so significantly due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The aviation industry in general has seen huge losses in flight and customer numbers as a result of lockdowns in various countries. The ICO appears to have taken this into consideration when issuing the fine, but many believe it is still an insignificant amount to the global airline and that it will not have the desired effect. The big question now is how this could shape regulations and fines in the future, as there is a cause for concern here.
Basildon University Hospital maternity unit rated ‘inadequate’.
Basildon University Hospital maternity unit, once rated ‘outstanding’, has been rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC launched an investigation into the unit after concerns were raised by an anonymous whistle-blower about patient treatment and general safety at the unit.
We know how bad it can be for anyone that has been the victim of medical negligence, but this is a different kind of story entirely. When it comes to something as serious as this, no legal case or punishment issued could ever turn back the clock and undo the damage that has been done.
Pelvic mesh inquiry shows some patients were ignored
The results of the recently published report that follows a large-scale pelvic mesh inquiry raises significant concerns about how women have been treated over this issue.
As the legal representatives for a number of women claiming compensation, the report results did not come as much of a surprise to us. That being said, it was no less worrying to see the results of it.
For some, it may act as some form of vindication. Either way, we represent victims for compensation cases, and if you have yet to look into making a claim, we urge you to speak to our team as soon as you possibly can to avoid missing out.
Recall for patients of Habib Rahman by Spire Healthcare
Some 217 patients of Habib Rahman are being invited for a recall consultation by Spire Healthcare after it has emerged that some people may have undergone unnecessary treatment.
Patients who have had shoulder manipulation procedures under general anaesthetic at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull carried out by the orthopaedic surgeon may need further treatment, or they may be told that their operation was not even required. This is not the first scandal to hit Spire Parkway, which was one of the hospitals that former disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson also worked out.
Those affected by the recall are being urged to seek follow up care, and you can speak to our team today for free, no-obligation legal advice.
Breast implants cancer reporting intensifies
There has been an intensification in the need for breast implants cancer reporting. This stems from a greater focus on identifying links between implants and certain types of cancer.
We know all too well about the problems that breast implants can caused. We’re still battling for justice for women affected by the PIP Breast Implant scandal. We’ve already recovered over £1.3m in damages, and we continue to fight for UK victims here and in France.
Regulators continue to investigate links between breast implants and rare forms of cancer. Both clinicians and patients are being asked to be aware of the need to take precautions and report adverse incidents.
Slime borax ingredient ‘toxic’ to children
The levels of a slime borax ingredient contained in the popular children’s toy has been found to be at potentially ‘toxic’ levels in eight of the leading slime products.
According to research conducted by consumer action group Which?, eight of the 11 leading slime products tested contained amounts of boron – a chemical in borax – deemed to be unsafe, leaving children at risk of irritation, diarrhoea, vomiting and cramps.
According to the research, the levels of the dangerous chemical may not be clearly listed on the ingredients and may be described as ‘contact lens solution’ which contains borax.
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 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…