What is the Hendra virus class action?
A Class action has been commenced in the Federal Court of Australia by Rachael Abbott (Applicant) against Zoetis Australia Pty Limited (Zoetis). The action has been brought by the Applicant on her own behalf and on the behalf of all persons who satisfy the definition of ‘class member’ in the proceedings.
Zoetis manufactured and marketed the Hendra Equivac HeV vaccine, and it was administered to many horses throughout Australia.
The Applicant alleges that in their marketing and promotional material Zoetis have made representations including:
- There was a serious risk of horses contracting Hendra virus in all areas of Australia in which flying foxes were present;
- The vaccine had no serious side-effects; and
- All horses in Australia should be treated with the HeV vaccine.
The Applicant also alleges that from 10 August 2012 to 20 March 2018 class member’s horses suffered side effects from the HeV vaccine and as result, the class members suffered loss or damage.
Alleged losses or damages include diminution in the financial value of the horse, veterinary treatment expenses, loss of income generated by the horse, loss of opportunity to gain income from the horse and the replacement value of the horse.
A sample class member, Kellie Hinton has also been identified in relation to a claim that the HeV vaccine was not of an “acceptable quality” within the meaning of section 54(2) of the Australian Consumer Law. This claim is brought by Kellie Hinton on her behalf and on behalf of class members.
Zoetis denies any wrongdoing or liability.
Who is eligible for the Hendra virus class action?
If you owned a horse that was administered the Zoetis Equivac HeV vaccine and you suffered financial loss or damage as a result of alleged misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to the information you were provided relating to the HeV vaccine – you may be entitled to register for the Hendra vaccine class action.
FAQs
Who is the Hendra virus vaccine class action against?
The Hendra virus vaccine class action is against Zoetis Australia Pty Limited (Zoetis).
How do I register my interest?
As part of the registration, you will be asked to provide information on the following: Details of your horse/s that were injected with the HeV product; and
The side-effects experienced by the horse/s;In order for LHD to represent you in the class action, you will be asked to enter a Retainer and Cost Agreement with LHD Lawyers. In order to enter into the agreement, you will be asked to electronically accept the terms of the agreement. A copy of the full agreement will then be provided to you as part of the registration process.You will receive an email confirming receipt of your registration. If you do not receive this email within 48 hours, please call LHD Lawyers on 02 9264 6644 or email mhgroup@lhd.com.au to confirm your registration.
How much will I have to pay to participate?
LHD Lawyers are working under a No Win No Fee guarantee for the Hendra virus vaccine class action lawsuit, as well as every other case that our team takes on.This means that unless we win the Hendra virus vaccine class action, you won’t pay us a cent! In class actions, the financial obligations are split amongst the group of plaintiffs, lessening the financial burden to you.
Cost obligations will be discussed prior to proceedings, or you can get in touch with our legal team now to have a clearer picture of potential costs.
Can I change my mind after registering and decide not to participate?
Group members have a cooling off period of five days from the date of acceptance of the Retainer and Cost Agreement. This enables you to seek external legal advice, discuss any questions, negotiate the terms of the agreement or withdraw from the agreement.Following registration, you will receive timely notification of any relevant disclosures in respect to the case. Alternatively, you can opt out of the proceedings at any time, though you may not opt-in again.
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