Medical device manufacturers spend large amounts of money and time to promote their product to the general public. Medical drug and device advertisements normally claim that by using the drug or device you can improve your health and overall quality of life. While this may be the case for some individuals, there are many patients that suffer complications or injuries due to unsafe medical devices.
How Does This Happen?
Unsafe medical devices can contribute to injuries in several ways. Sometimes the devices are sold without proper or adequate warnings. Without adequate warnings, patients cannot make informed decisions regarding the risks of these devices, and the doctors who recommend the devices may be unaware of facts that would indicate the devices is inappropriate for a particular patient. In other cases, the devices are not designed properly, and the design defects can cause the device to fail.
In some cases, the manufacturers can pressure the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve their product quickly. The FDA has a process called the “fast track” which is designed to reduce the amount of time it takes for the device to be approved. When this occurs, the product testing may not reveal long-term problems with the device. This accelerated approval process can lead to the use of defective products that cause more harm than help.
What Are Some Examples?
Defects in medical devices have been discovered in a wide array of products, including:
- Imaging and surgical devices
- Pain patches, infusion pumps, and blood glucose monitoring strips
- Knee joints, artificial hips, and spine discs
- Surgical meshes, IUD’s and catheters
- Breast implants
- Automatic external defibrillators
- Pacemakers
- Hernia repair systems and renal replacement systems
- Surgical eye devices, dental implants, and bone grafts
Take action today.
If you or someone you love has suffered complications due to an unsafe drug or medical device, it is important to take action. Call the experienced attorneys at Powers Taylor today. We pride ourselves on a client-centered approach. Our attorneys have experience with all types of medical malpractice cases and will fight to get you the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation. All of our calls are confidential.