Dutch Court Dismisses €900 Million Claim Over Allergan Breast Implants
Amsterdam judges have dismissed a €900 million compensation claim against Allergan over breast implant health risks, citing insufficient evidence of causation
Key Points
- 1Amsterdam court dismisses €900 million claim against Allergan
- 2The claim involved 60,000 women with Allergan's Biocell implants
- 3Insufficient evidence found linking implants to health issues
- 4Bureau Clara Wichmann may pursue further legal action
- 5Foundation ordered to pay Allergan's €39,000 legal costs
In a significant legal decision, judges in Amsterdam have dismissed a €900 million compensation claim against pharmaceutical company Allergan, now part of AbbVie. The claim was initiated by the women's rights group Bureau Clara Wichmann on behalf of approximately 60,000 Dutch women who received Allergan's Biocell breast implants prior to their market withdrawal in 2019. The group sought damages for removal and reconstruction costs, as well as compensation for pain, illness, and long-term health concerns
The court concluded that there was insufficient scientific evidence to establish a causal link between the textured breast implants and the autoimmune complaints reported by the women. This decision was further supported by recent research conducted by the Dutch cancer hospital Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, which also failed to find a connection. As a result, the judges ruled that Allergan could not be held accountable for the health issues experienced by the women
Following the verdict, Bureau Clara Wichmann expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision contradicts European law. The group is currently evaluating potential legal actions in response to the ruling. Additionally, the court ordered the foundation to cover Allergan's legal costs, amounting to nearly €39,000