Jacksonville Defective Medical Device Lawyer

Despite strict regulations and testing requirements, defective medical devices have the potential to reach the market. And when this happens, the health and well-being of anyone using the devices are at risk.

There are thousands of medical devices marketed to treat specific ailments. Some of these are implanted into the patient, while others are attached to their body. Either way, a defect puts the user at risk.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed by a defective medical device, you have the legal right to take action against the manufacturer and other parties, such as a doctor who was aware of the issue. 

Rather than seek compensation on your own, it’s best to consult with a defective medical device lawyer. Your legal team can research your claim, answer your questions, and take action against the appropriate party. This greatly increases your chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. 

Types of Defective Medical Devices

Some defective medical devices receive a lot of media attention. These are generally devices that affect a large number of patients. 

However, many other defective devices don’t receive nearly as much public attention. 

Here are some of the most well-known medical devices that have resulted in lawsuits:

1. DePuy hip implant devices

This defective medical product has been in the news for more than a decade. In fact, it was recalled on August 24, 2010. 

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Orthopedics ASR hip replacement medical devices have the potential to fail, with this happening in approximately 12 percent of patients.

Patients with a defective device often experience symptoms such as extreme pain and difficulty walking. These are in addition to less common, more serious symptoms such as infections and damage to nearby tissue. 

2. da Vinci robotic surgery

It sounds like a big idea with the potential for far-reaching success. While the da Vinci Surgical System (manufactured by Intuitive Surgical) has shown promise, many patients have had a less than desirable experience. 

In addition to patient injuries, the da Vinci is known for having mechanical complications during surgery.

There are definite benefits of da Vinci robotic surgery, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the potential for complications. 

3. Hernia mesh

Here’s what the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has to say about the frequency of hernia repairs in the United States:

Hernia repairs are common—more than one million hernia repairs are performed each year in the U.S. Approximately 800,000 are to repair inguinal hernias and the rest are for other types of hernias.

In other words, these procedures are quite common. But that doesn’t mean that each one goes as planned.

Many patients have experienced serious side effects as the result of defective hernia mesh.

From 2005 to 2019, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration administered Class 2 recalls to several products and companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Atrium.

C.R. Bard’s Kugel Patch received a Class 1 recall, meaning that it has the potential to cause serious health consequences — such as device migration, adhesions, and bowel obstruction — or death. 

4. Stryker knee replacement

Stryker Orthopaedics has a longstanding reputation as one of the top companies in the medical device industry. However, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to trouble, and that’s exactly what’s happened with its knee replacement devices.

Patients with a defective Stryker knee implant may experience symptoms such as difficulty walking, bone and/or muscle damage, inflammation, infection, and fracturing of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A defective medical device can result in serious injuries, illness, or even death. If you’re ready to take action on behalf of yourself or a loved one, here are some questions to address with the assistance of your defective medical device attorney:

• How do you prove that a medical device is defective?
• How much is a defective medical device case worth?
• What evidence can you use to strengthen your case?
• Who can you hold liable in a defective medical device case?
• What types of damages can you seek?
• What steps can you take after a failed attempt to improve your health? 
• Have other people experienced trouble with the same medical device? 

With questions like these, it’s best to consult with an experienced Jacksonville defective medical device lawyer. Doing so will improve your odds of receiving compensation while giving you more time to focus on the next steps of your treatment and recovery. 

At Terrell Hogan, we know the ins and outs of defective medical device lawsuits. If you’re seeking legal assistance, contact our law firm online or via phone at (904) 632-2424. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect your legal rights as you recover.