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Gene Matthews

Partner and joint head of human rights

Gene specialises in consumer law, product liability and data protection claims mainly brought as group claims/ multi-party actions

Clinical trials Data protection and privacy Diesel emissions claims Group claims Human rights Medical devices Product safety

Gene joined the firm in 2001 and qualified in 2003. He was appointed a partner in 2010. Gene became joint head of human rights in 2023.

He specialises in consumer lawproduct liability and data protection claims mainly brought as group claims/ multi-party actions. Gene has particular expertise in consumer law and clinical trials.

Historically, Gene represented over 200 British military veterans exposed to chemical warfare agents, allegedly without their informed consent, at the Porton Down military laboratories from the 1940s -1980s.

In 2009, he successfully resolved the claims of four of the clinical volunteers who suffered life threatening injuries as participants in the infamous TGN1412 drug trial at Northwick Park Hospital.

He has worked on a number of the firm’s high-profile international group claims, including claims for Peruvian citizens who suffered significant harm during a public protest regarding the impact of the mine on their local community. He gained extensive experience of the metal-on-metal hip litigation, having acted as lead solicitor in one group claim and assisted on a number of others.

What the directories say

Gene is extremely good and very well regarded.

Chambers and partners 2024

Legal expertise

Gene is currently instructed in a wide variety of group and individual claims; these include:-

  • A group claim against Nissan and Renault on behalf of car owners who allege ‘defeat device’ were fitted on some of their diesel cars in order to artificially reduce emissions to pass regulatory tests. It is alleged that software used in vehicles is unlawful;
  • A group claim against TalkTalk on behalf of clients who were affected by the unauthorised disclosure of their personal information as a result of data breaches;
  • A group claim against easyJet on behalf of clients who were affected by the unauthorised disclosure of their personal information as a result of data breaches;
  • A group claim against Carphone Warehouse on behalf of clients who were affected by the unauthorised disclosure of their personal information;
  • A group claim on behalf of NHS patients who received blood transfusions contaminated with the Hepatitis C virus in a group action against the Secretary of State for Health.
  • A number of individual claims against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of volunteers and patients who were injured having participated in clinical drug trials.
  • A group claim against Galliard Construction Ltd and Roamquest Ltd on behalf of leaseholders which relates to ACM cladding used in the construction of their homes. The claimants allege breach of contract and breaches of the Defective Premises Act.

Publications

Post Brexit crystal ball gazing: What the future holds for Phase I Clinical Trials in the UK Clinical Risk 6.4.17

Lawyers repeat call for a public inquiry (sheep dip controversy) Farmers Mart Magazine August/September 2016

What the directories say

Gene Matthews is one of my absolute standouts. Not only has he got experience of pure product liability work, but he has also built up a significant practice in clinical trials work. They are very difficult and complex cases.

Chambers and partners 2023

What our clients say

I am so happy that Leigh Day agreed to take on my case. I would not have been able to endure the difficult process without the ongoing help and support provided by Gene Matthews.

Jannette Vincent

Accreditations

News Article
Blood Bag
Infected blood inquiry Contaminated blood Medical negligence

Infected Blood Inquiry lawyers call for compensation framework to be set up immediately following further delay to Inquiry Report

Individuals and their families frustrated by another delay to the Infected Blood Inquiry final report have called for a compensation scheme to be put in place urgently.

News Article
Man Typing Hacker
Data breach Data protection and privacy British Airways

BA employees may have legal claim over payroll data breach

BA employees are among thousands of workers affected by a payroll data breach being investigated by law firm Leigh Day.

News Article
Police
Data breach

Serious data breach by Suffolk and Norfolk police forces affecting victims of crimes and witnesses

Leading data breach lawyers say that the recent announcement by Suffolk and Norfolk police forces that it has inadvertently included details of victims and witnesses, involved in domestic and sexual abuse cases, within responses to Freedom of Information (“FOI”) requests is likely to lead to substantial claims for compensation by those affected.