The Wireless

Case closed

16:02 pm on 2 December 2013

The settlement of an Australian and New Zealand class action against the makers of the drug thalidomide means victims are in line for a share of the multimillion-dollar settlement.

During the 1950s and 60s, thousands of people were born without arms or legs, hearing or eyesight after their pregnant mothers took the drug to alleviate morning sickness.

Law firm Slater and Gordon says a settlement worth $NZ 100 million has been reached in the Victoria Supreme Court in Australia, over 100 New Zealanders and Australians took part in the class action. The agreement settles a class action against the Distillers company which is owned by UK Diageo.