Thousands of victims of defective breast implants manufactured in France should receive compensation, a Paris appeals court ruled on Thursday, after deciding that German firm TUV Rheinland was negligent in awarding safety certificates.
The case was brought by 2,700 women who said they suffered long-term physical and mental health problems after receiving PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) implants filled with cheap, industrial-grade silicone not cleared for human use.
"We are delighted with this outcome which definitively puts an end to the doubts about TUV's responsibility," said lawyer Olivier Aumaitre who represented the women. "After 10 years of waiting and fierce combat, the German certifier will have to fully compensate the victims."
A spokesman for TUV Rheinland declined immediate comment on the judgment, saying the company wanted to receive a translation and to study it first.
The ruling could have implications for tens of thousands more victims from dozens of countries. Up to 10,000 Irish women are understood to be among the victims.
The timing and amount of compensation is still to be determined, according to the PIP Implant World Victims Association.
In a statement, the association said damages amounting to tens of thousands of euro for each victim were being sought. A first ruling on compensation was expected in September.
The founder of PIP, Jean-Claude Mas, was jailed for four years and fined €75,000 in 2013. – Reuters