Family Sues Pharmaceutical Company after Wife’s Death Following Covid-19 Vaccine: Legal Battle Faces Challenges Amid Warnings Over Rare Side Effects

In May 2021, Gareth Eve’s life was turned upside down when his wife Lisa Shaw passed away after receiving AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine. The family decided to sue the pharmaceutical company for compensation, but their legal battle faced challenges due to warnings issued by the company regarding rare side effects of the vaccine.

Legal experts believe that these warnings may protect the company from accusations by families affected by the vaccine. However, many families, like Mr. Eve’s, have made similar decisions to pursue legal action. Currently, 12 lawsuits have been withdrawn, while more than 50 people are continuing the fight against AstraZeneca.

Mr. Eve expressed frustration with the situation, feeling that the company was evading responsibility by citing warnings included in their information leaflets. He felt that the warnings were not easily understood by the general public, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Despite this setback, Mr. Eve continues to call for dialogue between affected families and pharmaceutical companies to address issues related to vaccine safety and efficacy.

The government has launched a Vaccine Injury Payment Scheme that compensates victims up to £120,000 for injuries caused by vaccines. However, Mr. Eve believes this amount is insufficient and calls on ministers and pharmaceutical companies to engage in dialogue with affected families. He believes they have a moral responsibility to support those who have experienced negative effects from vaccines like AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine.

Independent studies have shown that AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is effective in combatting the pandemic and has saved millions of lives globally. The World Health Organization has deemed it safe and effective for individuals 18 years and older, with rare side effects being very common but manageable through proper medical care and monitoring after vaccination.

The first lawsuit related to AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine was filed by Jamie Scott who suffered permanent brain damage due to blood clots and brain hemorrhage after receiving it in April 2021.

Recently, AstraZeneca announced worldwide recall of its Covid-19 vaccine as demand decreased due to new generation vaccines becoming available.

The company voluntarily withdrew its marketing license for its Covid-19 vaccine in Europe earlier this year signaling a shift in their approach towards addressing concerns around safety of their product.