April deadline set to register for Group Litigation Order
Scottish women will have until 8th April 2013 to register to make a claim as part of a group litigation order for faulty PIP breast implants. With a deadline now set Thompsons Solicitors, which is acting for hundreds of Scottish victims is urging all women who have been affected by the health scandal to get in touch and get the expert advice they need.
Thompsons Partner and lawyer for a number of Scottish victims, Patrick McGuire said: “The PIP implant scandal is a complex issue and it is vital that the many, many victims here in Scotland get the expert legal advice that they need to equip them to make the right decision regarding their claim. Regardless of whether they choose to join the group litigation order or make an individual claim they need legal representation and Thompsons has the expertise and experience to ensure each and every one of the thousands of victims is compensated adequately”.
Scottish women are in a unique position in that they can join the group litigation order in England or litigate north of the border. Thompsons Solicitors is working with a team of Advocates to form a robust opinion which will help each victim decide how best to progress their claim and has a free legal advice helpline for anyone who had PIP implants fitted.
Patrick McGuire added: “Many women will feel pressured now a deadline has been set to register for the group litigation order but we are urging them not to make any knee jerk reactions but instead to speak to us to get the best possible advice. The decision on who does and who doesn’t join the group litigation will be taken on a case by case basis for every single one of the victims we act for based on facts, legal opinion and what is best for the individual”.
It is thought tens of thousands of women globally were fitted with the medical devices using non-authorised silicon gel made by French firm, Poly Implant Prothese. Trisha Devine is one of those women and is spokesperson for the PIP Implants Scotland campaign group. She said: “Thompsons Solicitors has been a huge support to so many of the women in Scotland who have gone through months and years of worry and anguish as a result of this terrible scandal. We are desperate to see justice done and having access to the best possible legal advice which has been delivered in such a knowledgeable and compassionate way has made the process a thousand times easier.”
Campaigners have raised concerns over women potentially delaying seeking medical advice while they wait for legal settlement and are urging anyone who may have symptoms to speak to a health professional immediately. Anyone who has been affected by the PIP scandal can call Thompsons free legal helpline on 0800 089 2050 for help and advice on making a claim. ENDS
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