Missouri Medical Product Liability Attorney

Compensation for Victims of Defective Medical Device Injuries

Products that are used to diagnose or treat injuries, illnesses, and physical ailments are called medical devices. Examples of medical devices include pacemakers, hip replacements, X-ray machines, and artificial hearts. When a medical device is defective, the patient may be placed at great risk of a serious injury accident.

What Makes A Medical Device Defective?

Medical device manufacturers are obligated to provide safe products that help patients obtain the relief or functionality they seek. When someone suffers an injury while using the product as it was intended, they may be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for the incident. To file a successful product liability claim, the injured victim will have to prove that that they suffered an injury, the product was defective, and that defect resulted in the injuries suffered.

Medical Device Recalls

Usually, medical devices are only recalled when a number of people suffer injuries relating to the defective products. Recent medical device recalls include:

• Lab equipment: In July 2011, Global Focus marketing & Distribution recalled a number of Silencer S2200 centrifuge devices that were known to break and potentially cause injuries.
• Defibrillators (AEDs): Defibrillators are commonly recalled for causing serious injuries to patients. In April 2011, Defibtech, LLC had to recall over 65,000 units that had the potential to fail to resuscitate a patient.
• Infusion pumps: Infusion pumps are typically used in medical facilities on patients that require an IV. In April, 2011, Moog Inc. had to recall a number of infusion pumps that had the potential to experience an error that resulted in the interruption of therapy. Infusion pumps are so important that this interruption of functionality could result in a fatal injury.
• Hip replacements: There have been many reports of patients suffering serious injuries from defective hip replacements that shatter or cause internal injuries. DePuy hip replacements, for example, have been recalled due to metal poisoning issues.

Anyone injured by one of these defective medical devices would be well-advised to seek legal guidance to learn more about the legal options available to them based upon their circumstances. Other examples of potentially defective and dangerous medical devices include heart valves, hernia patches, syringes, and dialysis machines. Just about any medical device that is defective has the potential to cause great harm.

Missouri Product Liability Claims

Victims of defective medical devices may pursue financial compensation for the injuries they have suffered by filing a product liability claim. Losses that may be considered in a civil lawsuit include medical bills, past and future suffering, therapy fees, and lost wages. The family of someone killed by a defective medical device may seek financial compensation for their losses as well. In such cases, additional compensation may be available for damages including lost future income, lost benefits, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

Even in cases involving known defective products that have been recalled, it is common for corporations to deny claims and refuse to fairly compensate victims and their families. It is crucial for anyone who has suffered due to a defective medical device seek skilled legal representation. Our experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys know how to hold at-fault manufacturers liable for the damages their products cause. Please contact us at (314) 322-8515 to find out how we can help you.