Medical products are supposed to improve lives, but sometimes, they can cause significant harm. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical devices to make sure of their safety, there are times when these products fail, causing injury or death. Defective medical products can cause long-term health issues and demand immediate legal action.
Below, we’ll explore examples of faulty medical devices and how they’ve led to lawsuits. Tate Accident Law knows how challenging it can be to deal with the consequences of defective medical products. Our team is ready to help you seek justice.
Faulty Hip Replacements
Hip replacement surgeries have become more common in recent years, especially among the elderly. However, some hip implants have proven defective. This can cause severe pain, difficulty in movement, and in some cases, the need for additional surgeries.
Defective hip replacements have been linked to metal-on-metal components that wear down and lead to the release of toxic particles into the body. This can cause inflammation, infection, and even organ damage. Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers for failing to disclose the risks associated with these faulty implants.
Dangerous Pacemakers
Pacemakers are evaluative devices used to regulate heartbeats. However, some pacemakers have caused issues for patients due to defects in their design. For instance, certain models have been known to malfunction.
This can result in patients experiencing irregular heart rhythms or even complete device failure. These defects have led to recalls and lawsuits against the manufacturers, as patients have suffered serious medical complications, including strokes or death.
Defective Surgical Mesh
Surgical mesh is often used in hernia repair surgeries and to support weakened tissue. However, certain types of mesh have been found to cause infections, chronic pain, and even organ perforation.
Some patients have experienced severe complications after having mesh implants. This might lead to the need for additional surgeries to remove the defective product. Lawsuits claim that the manufacturers did not adequately warn patients about the risks associated with these devices.
Faulty Breast Implants
Breast implants are commonly used for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. However, some models have been associated with complications such as rupture, leakage, and chronic pain.
Additionally, some implants have been linked to a rare form of cancer known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these implants for failing to disclose the potential risks and for not conducting adequate safety testing.
Malfunctioning Defibrillators
Defibrillators are analytical devices designed to correct irregular heart rhythms, giving life-saving interventions in emergency situations. Nevertheless, certain models have been found to malfunction and pose a significant risk to patients who rely on them for survival.
Malfunctions can occur in various forms, such as delivering too many or too few shocks, or even failing to activate during a life-threatening arrhythmia. These defects can lead to catastrophic consequences, including strokes, cardiac arrest, or death.
As a result, numerous product liability claims have been filed against manufacturers whose defective defibrillators failed to protect their users.
Faulty Knee Replacements
Knee replacement surgeries are designed to restore mobility to patients suffering from knee arthritis. However, some knee replacement systems have been found to be defective. This can lead to instability, pain, and difficulty walking.
In some cases, the implant components wear out prematurely and cause the patient to require a second surgery. Lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of these knee replacements did not give adequate warnings about their potential defects.
Dangerous Stents
Stents are small mesh tubes inserted into blood vessels to keep them open and prevent heart attacks or strokes. However, some stents have been shown to cause complications, such as blood clots or infections, especially when they were designed poorly or made from substandard materials.
Defective stents can lead to severe health problems and even death. Lawsuits against manufacturers have been filed by patients who have suffered due to these faulty products.
Faulty Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps help patients with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. However, certain models have been found to malfunction–delivering either too much or too little insulin.
These malfunctions can result in dangerous blood sugar levels and cause patients to experience symptoms ranging from dizziness to diabetic coma. Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers who failed to correct these defects before they harmed patients.
Defective Surgical Instruments
Surgical instruments are important for performing precise medical procedures, and their reliability is important for patient safety. Nevertheless, defects in these tools can have devastating consequences. Malfunctioning surgical scissors may cause unintended punctures or cuts. Meanwhile, defective scalpels can lead to excessive bleeding or even internal organ damage.
In some cases, patients have developed infections due to the use of unsterilized or poorly manufactured instruments, further complicating their recovery. When surgical instruments fail to meet safety standards, it can result in severe injuries, prompting legal action against manufacturers.
Patients who suffer harm due to defective surgical tools are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.
Faulty Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth that offer improved functionality and aesthetics. However, when these implants are defective, they can lead to severe complications. Some implants fail to properly integrate with the jawbone and cause discomfort, infection, or even the need for further surgeries to correct the issue.
In certain cases, the faulty implants can lead to bone loss, nerve damage, or misalignment of the teeth. Patients suffering from these problems often turn to legal action, filing lawsuits against the manufacturers responsible for the defective implants to seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
How Tate Accident Law Can Help
Tate Accident Law knows the devastating effects that defective medical products can have on your health and your life. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective medical product, we are here to help. Our team of experienced defective product attorneys will investigate your case, gather evidence, and pursue justice on your behalf.
We are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm they cause. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
