Practices
Product Liability
McCann FitzGerald has acted for defendants in most significant product liability cases in Ireland over the past 30 years. Our expertise includes handling national mass tort type litigation, where large numbers of plaintiffs sue. In many cases, clients may be sued in several countries, and we work closely with law firms and experts abroad.
Our expertise:
Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices
McCann FitzGerald has defended litigation claims about blood and blood products, narcolepsy, psychotropic medications, malaria prophylaxis, phocomelia, childhood vaccines, insulin pens, isotretinoin, hip and knee prostheses, mesh implants and hospital and surgical equipment.
The firm has won a Financial Times Innovative Lawyer Standout Award award for developing a successful ADR process to resolve a mass tort medical device litigation where our client was sued by over 1,300 claimants.
Industrial and Consumer Products
Our team acted for a tobacco company in the successful defence of over 400 smoking and health claims. We have defended claims about automobiles, chemical components, industrial equipment and day-to-day consumer products, including food and drinks.
Environmental Torts / ESG claims
McCann FitzGerald represented a nuclear fuels processor in claims against it in Ireland alleging leukaemia injuries through environmental exposure. We have also defended asbestosis and mesothelioma claims. Other environmental cases include a recent defence of an Irish manufacturer for alleged contamination of water supply.
Product Regulation, Safety and Inquiries
Our team has advised on many product recalls, including a large scale urgent recall from every hospital in Ireland and a “look-back” programme to identify persons that received contaminated products.
McCann FitzGerald has also acted in public inquires about blood products, use of cadaver body parts and vaccine trials. We recently represented an aircraft operator in an air accident investigation and subsequent coroner’s inquest following a fatal air accident. We also defend clients facing potential criminal liability for alleged breaches of health and safety legislation.
Recent highlights include acting for:
- Manufacturer of orthopaedic products in 1,300 claims arising from hip replacement devices
- Pharmaceutical company in claims brought by persons allegedly injured by thalidomide
- Motor manufacturer following an automotive fire in a large Irish shopping centre
- Surgical implants manufacturer of urogynaecological products in products claims
- Pharmaceutical companies in inquests and litigation about COVID-19 vaccines
- Pharmaceutical manufacturer in litigation about swine flu vaccine
- Pharmaceuticals manufacturers in defending prescription product claims
- Manufacturer of water/heater cooler units used in cardiac surgery, in claims by persons alleging infection
- Manufacturer of leisure craft engine in large injuries claim about alleged safety equipment malfunction
- Manufacturing companies in recalls of recreational, computer and other goods
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