Author: Fiona Hedges, Mercury Legal

For over a decade PIP breast implants, also known as M-implants, have been produced and distributed worldwide by French manufacturer Poly Implant Prothese.

It is estimated that over 500,000 implants were sold worldwide before it was discovered that the manufacturer had been filling the PIP implants with industrial-grade silicone, a product more typically used as mattress filler.

In March 2012 the High Court recommended that a Group Litigation Order be pursued in relation to personal injury claims for women who have received PIP breast implants. The Group Litigation order will potentially allow the estimated 50,000 women in the UK affected by the scandal to pursue claims for compensation.

Class actions such as the PIP Group Litigation Order, whilst not unheard of, are uncommon and there are many hurdles to overcome to pursue a claim however at this stage we are extremely confident that we will ultimately be successful and justice will prevail.

The PIP Group Litigation Order is made especially complex due to the sheer volume of clinics and surgeon’s, both private and public, who supplied PIP implants to women across the UK. Due to the unregulated nature of the UK cosmetic industry it can be a difficult task to track down not only a defendant company but also their insurers (if the defendant company is no longer trading).  In addition to this, consideration must be given as to whether a claim ought to be brought under negligence or contract laws.

Mercury legal solicitors have established an excellent reputation in the personal injury arena and so when concerns started to be raised about the PIP breast implant difficulties it was little surprise that we were contacted by companies representing a large number of women affected by the implants to see if we would be able to help.

Although time is running out on the Group Litigation Order, we believe that victims will be able to claim up until the end of 2014 as most people were not informed of the fundamental problems with the implants until the beginning of 2011.

However, we will not know the challenges bringing these cases will bring post the closer of the Group Litigation Order.  But when we do, Mercury Legal will be leading the way representing the victims affected by the scandal on a no win no fee basis and publishing advice on our dedicated  PIP breast implant website.

Once your case is accepted by Mercury Legal they will work tirelessly on your behalf on a strict no win no fee basis so you will keep 100% of the compensation you deserve. Mercury Legal work alongside Box Legal to make sure that you are protected every step of the way and will never be asked to pay any fees even if your case is unsuccessful through no fault of your own. Thanks to the backing of Box Legal after the event insurance thousands of women affected by the PIP scandal are now able to seek legal advice without the worrying about legal costs.