Organophosphate sheep dip claims revived by Herefordshire firm of solicitors

Public funding of claims against manufacturers of organophosphate sheep dips has been revived by a successful Appeal to the Legal Services Commission.

Despite media reports last autumn that the claims were dead and buried, Herefordshire firm Gabb & Co has masterminded the Appeal and claims will continue. In a decision relayed today to jubilant Gabb & Co offices across Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders and following a marathon hearing last Friday in Reading, the Appeal Committee has allowed Gabb & Co to press the case for compensation for the overwhelming majority of its clients.

Lis Charles, Partner with Gabb & Co was delighted by the result and commented:

"The only fair way to decide whether the severely debilitating injuries that these claimants have undoubtedly suffered are caused by organophosphates or not is to ask a judge in a proper court hearing. Last Autumn, a decision was taken by London-based generic solicitors to end the claims. If this had stood, it would have had the effect of denying our clients the fair hearing they deserve. We protested vigorously and our clients are grateful to the independent Appeal Committee who have given them back public funding for their cases and a chance to have the facts heard, as they should be, by a judge. This is an issue of major public interest to the farming community."

Content of press release issued by Gabb & Co on 30 January 2001.