Defective Medical Equipment Lawyers
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Medical equipment is meant to help - not harm - patients. Yet because of manufacturing defects, lack of testing or general negligence, many products on the market are not safe for use by the public.
When this happens, medical device injury victims need to take strong legal action to protect their rights. Otherwise, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve. That’s why our defective medical equipment attorneys in Massachusetts and Connecticut want to help you.
What are common defective medical devices?
Any device that causes an injury to someone in the normal course of use is considered defective. Common cases involving defective medical devices include:
- DePuy Hip Recall
- Stryker Hip Recall
- Defective Pain Pumps
- Transvaginal Mesh
- Zimmer Durom Recall
- Mirena Injuries
- NuvaRing Injuries
If you have experienced problems with any of these devices, or any other products not listed here, and have injuries associated with their use, please contact us immediately. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
Please be aware that in many cases, there is a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a suit. As a result, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. That's why we want to meet with you as soon as possible.
Why do I need a lawyer for a defective medical equipment injury?
Many people wonder if they even need an attorney if they or a loved one sustains an injury due to defective medical equipment. Something was wrong with the equipment. As a result, they assume they will be fairly compensated by the equipment manufacturer, its insurance company or someone else.
Sadly, that's not always true. In many cases, many injury victims have a very hard time getting the money they rightfully deserve. That's because equipment manufacturers and their attorneys often do everything they can to pay injury victims as little as possible. They deny wrongdoing. They claim someone else made a mistake. They might even try to point the finger at you, claiming you did something after being treated to cause your injury.
They don't scare us. We know how to take them on and win. Whether it's carefully analyzing medical records, consulting with experts in their field or filing a lawsuit against them, we're prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure justice is served. Call 1-800-WIN-WIN-1 and find out how we can help you. Schedule a free case evaluation right now with the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone in Massachusetts or the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli in Connecticut.
Many people implanted with hip replacement devices manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. now need a second procedure due to product defects. DePuy hip replacement failures have resulted in the recall of two hip implant products:
- DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System (launched in 2004)
- DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System (launched in 2003)
If you or a loved one received hip replacement surgery since 2003, you may be entitled to compensation if a doctor implanted a DePuy ASR product in your body. That's why it's important to consult with an experienced attorney about your rights. A delay may affect your ability to obtain compensation. That's because you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action after your injury under state law.
FDA Notified About DePuy Hip Replacement Failures
DePuy, a division of Johnson & Johnson, informed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the recall, which involves removing the dangerous devices from hospital shelves.
The implant was recalled since it may be loose or there may be a bone fracture around the device or dislocation of the implant's ball and socket. Another serious health problem associated with defective DePuy Hip Implants is metallosis, a type of metal poisoning caused by metal debris being released into a patient's bloodstream due to metal-on-metal contact. In some cases, such metal-on-metal contact can result in necrosis, meaning a patient's cells die due to metal in the bloodstream.
DePuy recommends that patients who received one of their products speak with the orthopedic surgeon who implanted the device. A doctor can scan or X-ray the hip to see how the device is performing. A blood test may be required to look at any metal particles that may indicate a problem. If a serious problem is detected, surgery may be required to replace the defective medical equipment.
Signs of a DePuy Hip Replacement Failure
The following symptoms may be signs that your hip replacement device is failing:
- Pain
- Difficulty walking
- Swelling in the hip area
Many patients who received the ASR Hip Resurfacing System or ASR XL Acetabular System needed corrective surgery within five years. Women are more likely to need surgery than men, according to reports.
DePuy says it is willing to offer hip replacement settlements to cover patient costs linked to the defective product. However, ASR hip implant patients are advised to consult with an attorney before accepting any compensation.
Our attorneys can examine the facts in your case and make sure your rights are protected. We put our experience and resources to work to help clients pursue maximum compensation, which may include seeking a recovery through a DePuy hip replacement lawsuit.
The Stryker Corporation marketed hip implants that caused pain and injuries to people across the country. Our attorneys are providing free consultations to individuals and families who were affected by this defective product. Our Stryker hip implant lawyers understand that metal-on-metal hip replacement products such as the ones produced by Stryker have caused a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort in people's lives. Metal-on-metal contact can also result in metal poisoning in patients in certain circumstances. If you or a loved one received a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II modular-neck hip implant, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Recalled Stryker hip implants and serious injuries
In July 2012, Stryker Orthopaedics recalled its Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck hip implants due to "fretting and/or corrosion" in the implant, potentially leading to an adverse reaction in the hip that includes pain and swelling. The implant was introduced to the market in 2009 and aggressively marketed as the "next generation" and "latest evolution" of hip replacement products. However, high early failure rates were reported, with many patients experiencing product failure within six months. Multiple patients required painful revision surgery to correct the condition.
In addition, many patients experienced health problems with hip implants due to metal-on-metal contact, which resulted in metal being released into their bloodstream. As a result, some patients suffered from metal poisoning known as metallosis, which can lead to a condition called necrosis, in which organ and tissue cells start dying.
Symptoms of a failing or defective Stryker hip implant include the following:
- Pain
- Difficulty walking
- Squeaky joints
- Fracturing or bone chipping
- Implant parts breaking into pieces or even shattering
How a defective medical device lawyer can help you with your case
Medical device manufacturers sometimes rush products to market without adequately testing these products for safety. When companies put profits over people, the results can be catastrophic. Stryker began selling the Rejuvenate system in 2009 and the ABG II system in 2010. However, the company conducted no clinical testing on the safety or effectiveness of either device prior to introducing them to the market.
Such a scenario might sound like a straightforward legal case. But the reality is you might encounter an entire team of attorneys representing the medical device manufacturer, physicals and other medical professionals. That's why it's critical that you have an experienced legal team fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Otherwise, you might not receive the money you deserve for your case.
Pain pumps are medical devices that deliver targeted doses of pain management medication to a specific area of the body. Post arthroscopic surgery pain pumps are used to relieve pain after shoulder surgery. These disposable infusion pumps have been marketed under the brand name of Stryker Pain Pump or I-Flow On-Q Pump and deliver the medication by catheter implanted into the shoulder joint during surgery.
What is the defect?
The use of pain pumps is linked to the development of a serious condition known as PAGCL (post arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis). The specific cause of PAGCL is believed to be from the high concentration of pain medication (usually bupivacaine with epinephrine) that is delivered to the shoulder joint by the pump. Essentially, this devastating condition causes severe pain as a result of progressive loss of cartilage in the shoulder joint.
What are the adverse symptoms caused by the use of pain pumps?
If the cartilage is damaged or destroyed by one of these pumps, the shoulder joint might have limited movement resulting in significant pain and decreased range of motion. Many patients also experience symptoms such as stiffness, clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder.
Whatever type of medical problems you're experiencing with your pain pump, contact us immediately. Our attorneys know how to find the facts you need to build a strong legal case. We're also prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Your best interests come first here.
Thousands of women have used the transvaginal mesh device, which has come under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is investigating reports of several complications involving implantation of the devices, also known as vaginal mesh devices.
If you or a loved one was injured by the transvaginal mesh, or a surgical mesh, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Act quickly to make sure your rights are protected. Call 1-800-WIN-WIN-1 to speak with a transvaginal mesh injury lawyer.
A closer look at the transvaginal mesh
Women diagnosed with a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse are often prescribed a transvaginal mesh. The device is inserted to strengthen the woman's weakened vaginal tissue. Pregnancy is among the causes of the condition.
The FDA is investigating reports of injury. The agency also says little evidence exists showing that the implants treat pelvic organ prolapse. Common transvaginal mesh side effects include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Erosion of the vaginal tissue
- Perforation of the bowel, bladder or blood vessels
- Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse
Manufacturers of the transvaginal mesh include:
- American Medical Systems
- Bard
- Boston Scientific
- Johnson & Johnson
The Zimmer Durom Cup is an artificial hip component inserted into patients during total hip replacement surgery. The Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component (Zimmer Cup), unlike traditional hip replacement parts, is made from a single piece of material which was designed to alleviate many of the common side effects of the surgery such as early wear of the bearing, limited range of motion and instability of the hip joint. The product has been used in this country since 2006 and was withdrawn from the market in 2008, pending the issuance of new guidelines outlining special surgical techniques which must be followed during surgery.
What is the defect?
Many patients who received Zimmer Durom Cup implants required additional surgery because the unit failed to bond properly.
What are common problems caused by Zimmer Durom Cup hip implants?
The symptoms of this product failure are pain, stiffness and limping following an appropriate healing period after hip replacement surgery. In patients with successful surgery, the pain and stiffness only lasts for a few steps up to three months after surgery and subsequently dissipates. For patients with a defective hip replacement procedure, the pain, stiffness and limping are similar to the level experienced pre-surgery.
In addition, patients sometimes experience sharp pain in the groin area and have limited endurance while walking. Many still have to use canes for outdoor ambulation while others walk with a noticeable limp. It is not unusual for symptoms to progress for up to 18 months before product failure is diagnosed.
Don't try to deal with such a complicated case on your own. Make sure you get the medical help you need to make things right. Contact our law firm immediately. We proudly serve clients throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Mirena is a brand name for a long-term, reversible birth control device used by women to prevent pregnancy. A type of hormone intrauterine device (IUD) manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Mirena works by releasing small amounts of levonorgestrel into the uterus. As a result, women are far less likely to become pregnant while using Mirena.
A doctor must implant the small, plastic device into a woman's uterus. Once the IUD is safely secured in a woman's uterus, Mirena can prevent a woman from becoming pregnant for up to 5 years. However, serious health problems can occur in women who use a Mirena device.
Many health problems associated with Mirena involve the device moving from its intended position and migrating to another part of the woman's body. Health problems associated with Mirena devices include:
- Ectopic pregnancy -This is a term used to describe what happens when a woman's egg becomes fertilized outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be very dangerous and put the woman's life at risk.
- Bacterial infections - Some women develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) within several weeks after having a Mirena device inserted in their uterus. Such infections can affect a woman's reproductive system.
- Perforation of uterus -A migrating Mirena device can cut a hole in a woman's uterus depending on how and where the device moves once implanted. Such injuries can be very harmful and cause internal bleeding.
Many people have sued Bayer Pharmaceuticals, claiming the company knew about such hazards but failed to correct them and warn women about such potentially dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one was harmed by a Mirena device, you may have grounds for a legitimate Mirena lawsuit. Contact our law firm to find out how we can help you.
A form of birth control, NuvaRing is a brand name used for a ring-shaped device inserted into a woman's vagina to prevent pregnancy. Sometimes called "The Ring," NuvaRing works by releasing a small amount of estrogen and progestin, the same female hormones released by "the pill." A NuvaRing needs to be replaced once a month in order to remain effective.
Some women who use NuvaRing have experienced health problems. In some cases, some women died while using a NuvaRing. Others experienced serious side effects, including:
- Blood clots
- Thromboembolic complications
- Nausea
- Hair loss
Many people who experienced such dangerous side effects have filed a lawsuit against Organon, the Dutch pharmaceutical company that manufactures NuvaRing. If you or a loved one has been harmed while using NuvaRing, contact our law firm. We can help you take legal action.