The government has issued a formal apology to the victims of the thalidomide scandal in respite efforts following the harrowing affects the drug has had on the victims, according to the BBC (source).
Health minister Mike O’Brien on behalf of the government expressed “sincere regret” and “deep sympathy” to the hundreds of victims of the German developed drug which was used in the 1950’s and 60’s to help pregnant women with insomnia and morning sickness.
It was quite a big story in the last contrary so I am sure many of you are aware of the devastating effects the drug’s use had on the children born from mothers using the drug. Hundreds of children were born with severe limb deformities and internal damage, and the government has promised more money to be made available to the remaining 466 survivors. Mr O’Brien went on to say that the government acknowledges “physical hardship and the emotional difficulties that have faced both the children affected and their families as a result of this drug, and the challenges that many continue to endure often on a daily basis.”
The UK manufacturers of the drug Distillers Biochemicals have paid around £28 million in damages to the victims in the 70’s following a significant legal battle raised by the families of the victims. According to the report, this figure has been topped up over the years by the successor company, but the average payout per year to the 466 victims remains at less than £20,000 on average. A government package of £20m is aiming to continue the top ups for the victims in light of survivors living longer than expected, and therefore requiring further medical treatment and assistance.
Around 7,000 babies were born with significant problems globally, and the Thalidomide Trust which distributes aid to the survivors, are content with the apology despite it coming almost half a century late. The apology is widespread; not just to the surviving victims, but to the parents and families of the children that tragically did not survive.
Scientists believe that the drug hindered the growth of new blood cells, which led to malformation of the eyes, ears and genitals, as well as internally affecting the heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Commons affects on babies were missing or deformed limbs; with many suffering shortening of the arms and the legs.
Manufacturers of drugs (and all products) have a significant duty of care to ensure that they product they manufacture and distribute is safe to use. Drugs usually go through rigorous testing procedures to ensure that they satisfy health and safety requirements and to prevent anyone from coming to harm. This is an extreme example of a clear failure to do this, and the victims are all entitled to claim the compensation for their physical and emotional suffering.
If you have suffered as a result of a product (or a drug, as with this case), then you may be entitled to claim for compensation. Speak to an expert personal injury solicitor to get the advice on what you can do.
Obviously our sincerest sympathies continue to remain with the victims of the thalidomide scandal, and we hope that the governments extended funding scheme will be a satisfactory aid to the continuing suffering of all those involved.
