Information Notice - Breast Implant Class Action
The following information notice has been received from the Legal Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Silicone Gel Breast Implant 'Class Action' Settlement in USA
A court notice of a proposed breast implant 'class action' settlement has been communicated to the Irish Embassy in Washington D.C. by the US District Court, Northern District of Alabama.
The settlement could affect Irish women who had a breast implant before 1 June 1993, manufactured or supplied by a US company, or claimants on behalf of such women. The settlement entitles people to make claims for certain defined diseases that they have or may develop for up to 30 years. Implant companies have created a $4 billion (IR拢2.7 billion) compensation fund.
Non-US people are automatically included in the action but a) can opt out or b) must register to benefit. Claimants had until 17 June 1994 to opt out.
Those who did not opt out have until 1 December 1994 to register with the Alabama court. Anyone who has not registered by this date and who has not opted out by 17 June 1994 will be barred from pursuing a claim relating to the matter in any court in the USA.
This summary of the notice is a general guide to the nature of the case for information only and is without responsibility.
Further information is available by telephoning the court in the US at 00-1-312-609 8680, or in writing from MDL 926, PO BOX 11683, Birmingham, Alabama. AL 35202 - 1683, USA.
Copies of the information pack received from the Court, which includes photocopies of the settlement, claim and exclusion forms, may be obtained from the Consular Section, Department of Foreign Affairs, 72-76 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, telephone (01) 478 0822 extension 2306 or 2308.