In Europe, a class action lawsuit has been launched against Philips over the faulty sleep apnea devices that have caused harm to more than 1.2 million consumers, including 34,000 Belgians. This is the first European-scale class action of its kind and follows on from the settlement reached in the US earlier this year. The insulating foam in the devices could come loose and cause injuries, leading to recalls and financial losses for Philips.
The company has already faced billions in recalls, lost profits, and legal fees related to the faulty sleep apnea devices. The lawsuit is being pursued by an Italian law firm on behalf of the Italian consumer organization Adusbef and extends to the entire European Union. Patients who have used the device are entitled to compensation for various health issues, including emotional distress or health problems.
Among the patients affected by the faulty devices are 34,000 Belgians, who may be eligible for compensation for their suffering. The class action is seeking accountability from Philips for their delayed response to the known issue dating back to 2008. While only a dozen patients have joined the European class action so far, more may opt to participate following the outcome of the case.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Philips’ share price actually rose after the US settlement, indicating investor confidence in their ability to resolve legal disputes successfully. However, patients continue their fight for redress against Philips for harm caused by defective products.
This legal battle highlights the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions when it comes to product safety and consumer protection. As this case continues in Europe, it will undoubtedly set a precedent that could lead to future litigation against other companies that fail to address serious safety issues with their products.
