Product Liability, Safety and Recall
We have acted on many of the leading product liability cases decided in the UK. In addition to addressing coverage and defending claims, we also proactively guide you through safety regulations and compliance before products are placed on the market, as well as how to conduct a recall.
Services
ContactsOverview
Our team advises insurers, manufacturers and producers from a wide range of industry sectors including consumer goods, medical devices, agrochemicals, food and drink, telecoms, biotechnology, automotive, mining and construction.
Our team extends across the UK and globally, to deliver a seamless instant and co-ordinated response in crisis situations.
We have been involved in the development of group litigation in the UK, working on the management and strategy of complex claims.
The high profile nature of these instructions has resulted in us advising on novel and innovative questions of law and procedure.
The team has extensive expertise advising on all aspects of related insurance policy coverage, including product liability, product guarantee, recall and contamination insurance, whether under standalone covers or global programmes.
We are experts at advising manufacturers throughout a product's life cycle from research and development to marketing and regulatory compliance.
We also advise in relation to consumer protection issues, supply chain, contractual and indemnity issues, relationship management, reputation and brand protection, jurisdictional and cross border issues and document retention.
Featured experience
- Representing excess insurers in relation to class actions in US and worldwide arising out of alleged link between herbicide and Parkinson's disease.
- Representing insurers on liability and recall coverage issues in light of defective windscreen panels being installed by an automobile manufacturer.
- On the morning of the tragic fire DACB were instructed on behalf of Rydon Maintenance Ltd (“RML”) the Design and Build contractor retained by the local authority to undertake the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower. A Public Inquiry into the fire was announced the following day and RML was subsequently designated a core participant in the Inquiry. DACB continues to advise RML throughout the Inquiry as well as in respect of all parallel civil and regulatory proceedings.
- Advising insurers in arbitration proceedings relating to coverage under a Restaurant Contamination policy following a salmonella outbreak at a major US fast food chain, involving chicken produced in China.
- Advising excess insurers in relation to coverage issues arising from the sale and supply of GMO corn in China.
- Advising multinational automotive manufacturers on product regulatory and potential liability issues following fatal accidents and regulatory investigations.
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What our clients say
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”The practice has a strong reputation and a large international footprint, especially in Western / Central Europe, South America and Central Asia. Strong influence from the London office and hence a good grasp on world-wide offices.
Legal 500, Product Liability: Defendant, 2023 UK Edition
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”They handle high-profile complex cases very well and pay attention to future costs and commercial risks.
Chambers & Partners 2023, Product Liability, UK wide
Product liability, safety and recall key contacts
Who we are
Why choose DAC Beachcroft?
We’re a broad-based commercial firm serving a wide range of sectors with a strong heritage in insurance,
health and real estate. We combine excellent legal skills and cutting-edge delivery expertise to design
solutions that fit the needs of our clients – often involving clever uses of technology.
Insurance
DAC Beachcroft is recognised as a pre-eminent advisor to the insurance market, and we place a strong emphasis on the long-term relationships we build with you so that we can really add value to your business.
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Health and Social Care
DAC Beachcroft is regarded as market leaders in the provision of corporate, commercial and regulatory legal advice to healthcare providers.
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Real Estate
With 170 lawyers we are one of the largest Real Estate legal teams in the UK. Our extensive network gives us national, regional and local knowledge and access.
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Financial Services
We regularly advise product designers and manufacturers, trade bodies, and retailers, distributors and venture capitalists looking to invest in the financial services sector.
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Technology
As long-standing and trusted advisers in the technology sector, we deliver pragmatic and innovative solutions that empower you to make informed decisions about how best to maximise your success.
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Industry Specialisms
We combine our in-depth sector knowledge with astute commercial awareness and global reach.
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