Product liability claims are always unwelcome for any company. If the claim has merit, the company is likely to be involved in considerable time and expense recalling the product and correcting the error. This may include taking legal action against third parties who supplied faulty goods or services.

Even if it is found that the claim has little merit, the publicity surrounding the case can potentially damage the reputation and brand value surrounding the product, to significant detrimental effect. It is therefore essential companies guard against such claims and, if they do arise, take prompt action in defending them.

The Claims Defence Team at our firm can help. We provide clear, concise and commercially aware claims management advice to Brands clients, which include many leading household names. The needs of the client, and in particular, the need to protect their brands, drive the advice we give and the manner in which we handle claims.

Our claims handling experience places us in a strong position to advise on risks at a product's development stage. For example, our clients regularly seek our advice on packaging issues, to ensure that the risk of consumer claims arising is minimised.

We also regularly advise on regulatory issues, consumer protection rights, crisis management, recall issues and risk management generally. We offer our clients training to reduce the risk of claims arising and minimising the impact of existing claims.

We provide commercial solutions to individual and collective claims involving financial loss and damage to property, the environment or person. We are often called upon to work in close collaboration with in-house lawyers who value our specialism in dealing with insurance claims and our ability to give immediate, cost effective and commercially sensitive advice.

Working with the other members of our Brands Team, we provide a comprehensive service to our clients.