A redress scheme should urgently be established for the families of children who were detrimentally impacted by in-utero exposure to the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate (Epilim), a prominent solicitor has passionately argued. Michael Boylan, a respected legal expert who recently secured a staggering £15 million settlement for a 13-year-old boy, revealed that a wave of similar cases is anticipated to flood the UK courts in the coming months.
Boylan emphasised the necessity for the State to assume responsibility and establish a redress scheme akin to the CervicalCheck tribunal, in order to prevent individual families from enduring the arduous litigation process. “This really should be dealt with by an admission of responsibility by the State here. There should be a form of redress scheme set up, like the CervicalCheck tribunal. Each family shouldn’t have to go through the litigation process on an individual basis,” he stated.
Advocating for a more streamlined approach, Boylan urged the establishment of a system that minimises stress for the affected families and curtails legal expenses. “They really should set it up so the stress can be minimised and there can be saving of legal costs as well. Otherwise, there’s going to be perpetual litigation for several years, if not a decade,” he warned.
In 2020, the British government announced its intention to hold an inquiry into the historical licensing and use of Epilim, acknowledging the gravity of the issue. The terms of reference for the inquiry were agreed upon late last year, and the inquiry itself is expected to be officially established within the current year, signifying a crucial step towards justice for the affected families.
If you would like an assessment of a claim, you can use the online form available here without obligation or alternatively you can use the automatic claim calculator.
