An international group of lawyers is launching a class action on a European scale, the first of its kind, against Philips for the damage caused by their sleep apnea devices. More than 1.2 million consumers, including 34,000 Belgians, are said to have suffered damage from these devices.
The Dutch electronics company has had to recall millions of sleep apnea devices since 2021 due to the insulating foam coming loose and causing serious injuries. This has led to significant financial losses for Philips in terms of recalls, lost profits, and legal fees. Earlier this year, the company reached a billion-euro settlement in the US for similar issues with their devices.
Now, an Italian law firm has initiated a European class action lawsuit on behalf of the Italian consumer organization Adusbef. This lawsuit applies to the entire European Union and seeks compensation for patients who have experienced emotional distress, respiratory problems, or other health issues as a result of using the device. The lawsuit aims to hold Philips accountable for its delayed response to the issue since 2008.
According to lawyer Stefano Bertone, Philips has been aware of the issue since 2008 but failed to take appropriate action until it was too late. Despite initial skepticism about the lawsuit, more European patients may join the class action following the verdict. Philips has denied any wrongdoing so far and increased its share price after reaching a settlement with US customers earlier this year.
The sleep apnea device was intended to give patients a better night’s sleep by reducing snoring and improving breathing patterns. However, it has caused numerous issues for Philips itself and resulted in significant financial losses.
In conclusion, this European class action lawsuit against Philips highlights the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions when it comes to consumer safety issues involving medical devices. It also serves as a reminder that patient safety should always be prioritized over profits and that companies must take responsibility for their mistakes if they want to maintain public trust and confidence in their products.
