Product Liability: Mainly Claimant
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
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(020) 7650 1200About
Provided by Leigh Day
The product safety and consumer law team has been involved in historic cases including Thalidomide and Contaminated Blood Transfusion litigation; and also cutting edge legal battles that have made new law.
They have particular expertise in large scale group litigation and high profile inquests. They represent individuals injured, killed or affected by products including electrical appliances, vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, toys, financial services, and in clinical trials.
In 2019 the team acted for the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died following an allergic reaction. This high-profile case led to a change in the law on ingredient labelling which is now known as “Natasha’s Law”.
They have a specialist practice in fire and explosion cases including acting for the consumer group Which? in a public law action linked to the government’s approach to Whirlpool tumble dryers and a group action brought by the residents affected by the Shepherd’s Bush Tower Block Fire
The team are currently acting as the joint-lead lawyers, in the emissions defeat device group litigation against Volkswagen in the UK believed to be the largest group action in this jurisdiction and are also taking action against Mercedes.
The team is also currently working with families affected by Foetal Valproate Syndrome in relation to the ongoing Independent Medicines and Medical Device Safety Review, chaired by Baroness Cumberlege.
Chambers Review
Leigh Day has a deep bench of claimant lawyers handling significant product liability work, including major multiparty and cross-jurisdictional litigation. The firm is equipped to handle a wide range of product-related matters, from litigation arising from faulty medical devices and consumer goods to claims regarding injuries suffered as a result of clinical trials for pharmaceutical products. Equally, the team is adept at representing large groups of claimants, including families in defective product inquests, as well as individuals pursuing high-value claims. The firm is increasingly sought out for representation in proceedings and inquests involving food products.
Work Highlights
- Leigh Day represented a group of 37 individuals who allege that they suffered an adverse blood clotting reaction to the AstraZenica COVID-19 vaccination.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Leigh Day offers incredible professionalism by providing accurate, prompt and sympathetic communication."
"They are prepared to stick their necks out to try to get results for people – they don't shy away despite the legal difficulties."
"It's a good team for complex and novel claimant litigation."
"Leigh Day offers incredible professionalism by providing accurate, prompt and sympathetic communication."
"They are prepared to stick their necks out to try to get results for people – they don't shy away despite the legal difficulties."
"It's a good team for complex and novel claimant litigation."
Notable Practitioners
Jill Paterson has a multifaceted product liability practice that incorporates the representation of claimants in proceedings involving an impressive scope of products. She brings skill and expertise to claims and inquests involving food and drink, consumer goods and medical products.
"Jill expects high standards and does excellent work. She is practical and well researched."
"Jill is an excellent all-round layer with great sensitivity towards her clients' needs."
"Jill is great at putting clients who have suffered the most egregious injuries at ease."
Michelle Victor is adept at handling substantial group claims involving defective medical devices and consumer products. She offers considerable expertise in matters relating to food safety, including advising on inquests and legislative change.
"Michelle is no-nonsense and cultivates a good relationship with her clients."
"Michelle is a very strong lawyer who does what she says. She has excellent commercial insight for winning a case."
Gene Matthews concentrates his practice on the pursuit of claims arising out of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, with considerable experience in handling claims involving clinical trials. He has further experience in handling claims relating to automobiles.
"Gene is really excellent and has done a lot of group litigation, offering a unique perspective and ability to question things in a pleasant manner."
"Gene has an extraordinary grip on product liability law. He is a formidable representative of his clients and leaves no stone unturned in his impressive work to win their cases."
"Gene is very good and enthusiastic."
Sarah Moore is well equipped to handle claims relating to defective medical products, including breast implants and vaccines.
"Sarah is a brilliant case manager. In group litigation she goes above and beyond to involve her clients."
"Sarah's ability to understand complex science and apply it to difficult legal questions is extraordinary. She is a genuine innovator."
Thomas Jervis offers clients wide-ranging expertise in product liability matters involving medical devices and white and consumer goods. He has further notable experience in advising on significant food and drink matters.
"Thomas comes up with innovative ideas to challenge product regulators and ensure that certain products are not overlooked in the market."
"Thomas has excellent sensitivity to his clients' needs."
"Tom is tenacious, bold, and like a dog with a bone."
Philippa Wheeler is a talented associate offering her clients experienced representation in product liability and consumer law matters. She primarily assists individual claimants, and has brought claims against well-known online retailers.
"Philippa has really good instincts. She is very good with details as well, both legally and factually."
"Philippa brings a remarkable efficiency and thoroughness to her work."
"Philippa is extraordinarily supportive and professional in her practice and rapport."
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Provided by Leigh Day