Defective Medical Device Compensation
The medical device industry is highly competitive. This means many medical products are rushed to market. Oftentimes adequate testing and proper consideration of the potential harm that these products could cause are overlooked. Device makers sometimes use loopholes in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulations to gain clearance for their products.
One of the loopholes they utilize involves claiming their device is “substantially equivalent” in safety and effectiveness to another device that is already on the market or claiming that their device is being used for the same purpose. The actual use of the device, however, may have been grossly misrepresented.
Time is of the essence. If you have been injured or your loved one has died as the result of another’s careless conduct, don’t wait. Contact us today for a complimentary case review.
What Are The Risks From A Defective Medical Device?
In a terrible twist, a medical device that promised to restore health and improve quality of life has done just the opposite, and caused a serious, permanent injury. This is the situation in many defective medical device cases we handle.
When companies put profits above people, lives are destroyed. The manufacturers of medical devices have a responsibility to test their products for safety before they are provided to people and to alert consumers immediately if a problem with their product becomes apparent. Sadly, we often find examples where just the opposite is true.
Several Medical Devices Have Come Under Recent Scrutiny
Surgically Implanted Medical Devices
Surgically implanted medical devices are designed to improve a patient’s quality of life. However, sometimes problems arise that lead to complications, pain, illness and even death. These include infection, inflammation and rejection of the implant. Sometimes, the tissue around the surgical site can become severely infected and there may be a risk of tissue death or blood infection.
Some devices may lead to serious injury or death as a result of a product defect. Device failure can have a lasting impact on a patient’s health. Many failed devices are recalled by the manufacturer. Surgically implanted medical devices that have failed in the past include silicone breast implants, hip replacement joints, artificial heart valves and surgically implanted mesh.
Retail Or Prescribed Devices
The manufacturers of medical devices have a responsibility to test their products for safety before they are provided to people and to alert consumers immediately if a problem with their product becomes apparent. Defective medical devices may cause serious permanent injury or even death.
Essure Birth Control Devices
Essure is a permanent birth control device manufactured by Bayer Health Care. The device consists of two small nickel alloy coils, which are implanted through the vagina into the fallopian tubes. Scar tissue forms around the coils, preventing sperm from reaching the eggs.
Since its approval in 2002, 750,000 Essure devices have been implanted. Adverse events reported with Essure include migration, leading to perforation of the fallopian tube or uterine wall or embedment in other organs, often requiring hysterectomy or surgical removal; allergic reactions; severe pain; and infection.
Power Morcellators
In April 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urged doctors to stop using a medical device called a power morcellator, because studies showed the device may spread cancer. An estimated 1 in 350 women develops uterine sarcoma – a type of uterine cancer – after undergoing a morcellator procedure.
Morcellators are typically used to grind away uterine growths such as fibroid tumors and in hysterectomies. They became popular as a less invasive surgical alternative. The FDA conducted a formal review of the devices in July 2014 and announced that its concerns with the morcellator were confirmed. During this time, Johnson & Johnson announced it would stop selling the surgical tools.
Our Class Action Lawsuit Attorneys Can Help You
We believe that every case is an important one and that every client deserves personal attention, compassion and an attorney who will fight for their rights. No matter the extent of the injuries or the type of accident that you have been injured in, do not hesitate to get the involvement of an Alabama personal injury attorney from our firm. Contact us today.