Life Sciences: Product Liability
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
020 7242 1011About
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
We are involved in the vast majority of current substantive product liability cases; including PIP Breast Implant Litigation and metal-on-metal hip replacement products claims.
The client base includes instructions in respect of both liability and regulatory aspects arising from medical devices, clinical trials, consumer healthcare goods as well as pharma products. The advice we provide to the Life Sciences sector extends throughout the life cycle of a product from R&D, approval and licensing, pharmacovigilance and compliance issues and claims. We advise on labelling, advertising, representations to regulatory bodies and comparative claims for complex healthcare products.
We are instructed in a large number of claims arising from clinical trials as well as advising on coverage issues for all the main insurers who operate in the life sciences sector.
Aside from product liability and regulatory issues, the firm also advises life science clients in respect of intellectual property, brand management, clinical trial agreements, commercial contracts and corporate finance.
Recent work highlights
- Defended the majority of significant pharmaceutical/medical product liability cases in the UK over the last 40 years
- Landmark product liability cases have traditionally arisen in the pharmaceutical/healthcare sector due to their significant and repercussive nature
- We also have 35 years expertise in defending contaminated blood litigation claims for the NHS and National Blood Service
Chambers Review
DAC Beachcroft defends pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in product liability litigation and claims arising from clinical trials. The firm has long-standing experience defending the NHS in closely watched blood contamination claims. Its other clients include insurers, private healthcare providers and NHS trusts.
Work Highlights
- DAC Beachcroft acted on behalf of Circle Health Group in claims regarding breast implants that claimants allege to have caused cancer, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"We rely heavily on DAC for the changing regulatory landscape with medical devices and other complex areas in life sciences. They're always able to find a specialist within the firm to help."
"DAC Beachcroft is a go-to firm with very good scientific expertise and fantastic client service."
"The DAC Beachcroft team have many years of experience between them, meaning their knowledge recall is second to none and they are always ready to help in urgent situations."
"We rely heavily on DAC for the changing regulatory landscape with medical devices and other complex areas in life sciences. They're always able to find a specialist within the firm to help."
"DAC Beachcroft is a go-to firm with very good scientific expertise and fantastic client service."
"The DAC Beachcroft team have many years of experience between them, meaning their knowledge recall is second to none and they are always ready to help in urgent situations."
Notable Practitioners
Alison McAdams is one of the most experienced product liability defence lawyers working today. She has an enviable record acting in cases relating to clinical trials, marketed pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
"Alison is very specialised in product liability."
Ranked Lawyers at
DAC Beachcroft LLP
UK-wide
Clients
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
AstraZeneca
Novartis
Industries
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
Chemicals
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Food & Drink Producers
Healthcare
Insurance
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Technology