Taking part in a clinical trial can help with the developments of new treatments. This is important to help treat disease and improve quality of life for those who suffer the disease or illness in question, but it is not necessarily risk-free.

Whilst there are strict rules in place to reduce risks to participants and ensure they have given informed consent, occasionally serious side-effects can occur. If you've been injured or become ill because of your participation in a clinical trial, then our solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation.

We'll work closely with you throughout the claims process to handle every aspect of your case, ensuring you're able to access all the medical care and support you need to assist with your ongoing rehabilitation while we help you claim.

Our personal injury team has a great deal of experience with medical negligence, defective drug and medical product claims. Our exceptional knowledge and caring staff has seen us ranked in the top band of law firms for defective product compensation claims by Chambers & Partners, one of the leading independent guides to the legal profession.

Most of the claims we handle are on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that there's nothing for you to pay upfront, and that you won’t have to pay any legal fees if your claim isn’t successful*.

If you have any questions, or are interested in making a claim, call us today on 0800 056 4110 for a free initial consultation about your case, or contact us online and we'll get back to you.


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Clinical Trial Claims - More Information

Defective Products

Whilst clinical trials are extremely important it is imperative that a thorough investigation takes place. Transparency is vital to ensure lessons can be learned, and to promote the safety of all those who participate in clinical trials."

Tim Annett, Partner

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Make A Clinical Trial Compensation Claim?

If you've taken part in a clinical trial and been left injured or ill, then you may be able to claim compensation. You usually have three years from the date you first noticed signs of that illness or injury to make a claim.

In certain circumstances, you can also claim compensation on behalf of a loved one who suffered as a result of a clinical trial. For example, if you're claiming on behalf of your child, you have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.

If you have lost a loved one because of complications arising from a clinical trial, you have three years from the date they died to make a claim.

Many clinical trials are run in accordance with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) compensation guidelines. The guidelines make it easier to claim compensation if something goes wrong. We can help you work out if the ABPI guidelines are applicable to your case, and whether you might be entitled to compensation.

If you're unsure whether or not you'll be able to make a claim, get in touch for some advice. Call us today on 0800 056 4110 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case, where we'll be able to discuss your options.

What Responsibilities Do Those Running Clinical Trials Have To Their Patients?

On the whole, clinical trials are safe; but there can be risks as many drugs can cause side-effects, although fortunately in most cases these are not serious or life-threatening.

People involved in the trial must understand the aims of the trial, as well as any potential risks. There is a difference between being told about something and having something explained by a professional so you can fully understand it, so participants must be given the chance to discuss the trial with the organisers, and should also be given written details of the treatment, including potential side effects.

The organisers (sponsors) of clinical trials ought to have insurance in place, and many will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The guidelines provide for payment of compensation in the event of bodily injury (including death) through participation in the trial. This applies to Phase 1 trials (‘healthy volunteers’) and Phase II-IV trials (‘patient volunteers’), and we can provide advice as to whether the trial you participated in is covered by the guidelines, as there are some exceptions.

Our experienced medical and product liability solicitors can investigate the details of the trial you or your loved one was involved in to find out whether those running the trial failed in their responsibilities to you as a patient.

If you have any questions about the claims process, or how we can help, get in touch on 0800 056 4110 for a free consultation.


Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Clinical Trial Compensation Claim?

We've worked for many years with people who have suffered as a result of clinical trials, and we understand the physical difficulties, anger and lasting trauma which trials can cause when they go wrong. Making a claim in what is already a difficult time can be a daunting prospect, but with experts on your side you can get the compensation you deserve.

Our experience in both product liability and medical negligence cases means we're well placed to handle claims involving clinical trials. Our experience covers claims brought under the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) compensation guidelines, as well as claims against the doctors or hospital administering the treatment.

We'll work tirelessly to make sure you receive all of the support, advice and care you need. Helping our clients access medical care and support, including physiotherapy and surgery, as well as mobility aids and home modifications, is as important to us as pursuing financial compensation. This support can be essential for adapting to life after an injury or illness, and our approach has seen us win Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions.

Our extensive experience has seen us handle a diverse range of clinical trial claims, including compensation for men testing a new drug, TGN1412, at Northwick Park Hospital. The drug was being developed to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and leukaemia, but resulted in extensive limb damage for some of the participants – find out more about this case.

If you have any questions about making a claim, or how we can help, give us a call today on 0800 056 4110, or contact us online, for a free initial consultation on your case. We're here to help.

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Injuries and illness can have a lasting effect on your life. We're proud to have won Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions, recognising our commitment to getting our clients the care and support they need to get their lives back on track.


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