Dutch Court to Hear Mass Claim Over Allergan Breast Implants: What It Means for Women Affected 

On 23 September 2025, a Dutch court in Amsterdam opened hearings in a major case brought by women who received textured breast implants made by Allergan (now part of AbbVie). This case isn’t just important for the women involved – it could also shape how mass claims (group actions) are handled in the Netherlands and across Europe. 

Background 

Around 60,000 women in the Netherlands received Allergan’s “Biocell” textured breast implants before they were pulled from the market in 2019. 

The collective claim is being led by Bureau Clara Wichmann, a women’s rights group, on behalf of affected patients. They’re seeking compensation for: 

• The costs of removing and replacing the implants 

• Pain, illness, and psychological distress (including anxiety about future health risks) 

The claimants argue that the implants were defective, citing links to a rare cancer known as BIA-ALCL, as well as chronic pain and fatigue. They also allege that Allergan failed to provide timely warnings, despite being aware of the risks. 

The case falls under the Dutch mass damages law (WAMCA). Settlement talks took place in 2024 but ultimately broke down, so the lawsuit is now moving forward. The group is seeking over €900 million in damages. 

Support for Women in the UK 

If you’ve had Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants or tissue expanders, whether for cosmetic reasons or after breast cancer treatment, you may be entitled to compensation. These implants were withdrawn from the UK and European markets in 2018–2019 after being linked to Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). 

At Fletchers Solicitors, we’re supporting women affected by Allergan BIOCELL implants and BIA-ALCL. Our team of medical negligence and product liability specialists are helping clients who: 

• Have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL after receiving Allergan textured implants 

• Have had their implants removed due to cancer risk 

• Are considering removal because of anxiety about future risks 

Expert Commentary 

Medical product liability expert, Sarah Samuel, is a Partner at Fletchers and co-leads our specialist Medical Product Liability team. Sarah is actively supporting claimants who are impacted by Allergan implants, and she feels passionate about providing a voice for these individuals who are fighting to seek justice.  

Sarah explains: 

“We are deeply concerned about the serious health risks linked to Allergan breast implants and the impact these products may have had on patients across the UK.  

“Women are reaching out to us because they feel concerned about the impact on their health. This is a deeply concerning time for those who have had, or may still have, Allergan implants. Understandably, anxiety around this topic is heightened for them.” 

Joining the Group Action 

If you received Allergan implants and have suffered complications or been diagnosed with related conditions, you may be eligible to join the Allergan product liability group action. Our legal team is currently investigating claims and offering free confidential advice – please get in touch to discuss your rights and next steps. 

We’re here to help you understand your rights, get the answers you need, and pursue the compensation you deserve.