CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
Recalled HIV Tests
An application for authorization to institute a class action has been filed in the Superior Court of Québec on behalf of all individuals who underwent laboratory tests at the Saint-Mary’s Hospital, The Lakeshore General Hospital, or The Lasalle Hospital between December 2021 and September 2022, which were done with recalled lots of reagents provided by Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and/or Optilab Montréal-CUSM.
This class action claims compensatory and punitive damages.
If you were affected by this recall, we encourage you to speak with one of our lawyers.
All communication is free and strictly confidential. To obtain further information about this legal action and to receive updates as the case progresses, please complete the form on this page.
Download the Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action.
What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal proceeding where a person, the representative, files a lawsuit on behalf of a group of people who have suffered harm from the same source. The representative is also a member of the group or class of people affected by the harm.
If you meet the conditions to be a member of the class, you may be entitled to compensation without even realizing it.
How Does a Class Action Work?
Unlike other legal proceedings, a class action must be authorized by the court in a judgment authorizing the class action before it can proceed. The authorization is necessary to ensure that the lawsuit is in the best interest of the class members and that the representative is suitable to represent the class.
Once the class action is authorized, the representative becomes the spokesperson for the class and represents their interests throughout the legal process. You do not need to do anything until a judgment has been rendered.
Class actions can take years to resolve and often involve complex litigation. However, one of the objectives of a class action is to facilitate access to justice for members of the public when it would otherwise be difficult or impossible for them to obtain it individually. By pooling resources, class members can collectively pursue their claims against large organizations or governments, increasing the value and practically of legal action.
Advantages of Class Action Lawsuits
Compared to normal court proceedings, a class action lawsuit offers several advantages:
Simple and Effective Way to Defend Your Rights
A class action lawsuit is a simple and effective way to defend your rights as a citizen. By joining forces with other individuals who have suffered harm from the same source, you can collectively pursue your claims against large organizations or governments.
Access to Justice
One of the main advantages of a class action lawsuit is that it makes justice more accessible. It eliminates various obstacles such as economic or psychological barriers, which can be a significant burden for individuals who are seeking justice. By pooling resources, class members can collectively pursue their claims without incurring significant costs.
Strength in Numbers
A class action lawsuit gives your case more weight by grouping together all the people in the same situation. This increases the chances of success and may lead to a more significant compensation payout.
Encourages Better Corporate Behavior
Class action lawsuits encourage better corporate behavior, particularly through compliance with the standards and regulations in force. Companies are more likely to take notice of potential legal action if it affects a large group of individuals.
No Upfront Costs
For you, a class action lawsuit is free of charge. You have nothing to pay to participate. Lawyers are paid directly from the amount recovered at the time of settlement or a judgment.
A class action lawsuit is a powerful tool that can help you and others who have suffered harm from the same source. By understanding the advantages of a class action lawsuit, you can determine if it’s the right choice for you.