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First Posted: 10/14/2013
(AP) Spaniards born with severe defects after their mothers used the drug Thalidomide during their pregnancies are suing its producer, the German company Gruenenthal Group.
Many of the children of the mothers who took the drug, a sedative prescribed between 1950 and 1960 to combat morning sickness, were born with abnormally short limbs and in some cases without any arms, legs or hips.
Now, 200 Spaniards are seeking compensation of 204 million euros ($277 million) from the company. The amount was calculated by multiplying 20,000 euros by the percentage point of each of the plaintiffs’ disability.
The Monday trial will last one day and a ruling is expected within a month.
Gruenenthal, who withdrew Thalidomide in 1961, has refused to accept liability, but last year it apologized to victims.
Associated Press