The risks posed by defective medical devices and the demand for defective medical device lawyers are higher than ever before. That’s because there are more high-tech medical devices in use now than at any time in history. Many are essential to modern healthcare and improve the quality of life for millions of people—but injury claims have skyrocketed, and high-profile litigation is on the rise.
Have you or a loved one been injured by a defective medical device? Here are five of the most commonly used:
- Transvaginal Mesh Implants
Transvaginal mesh implants are synthetic mesh devices that are surgically implanted to support the bladder or rectum in women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. They have been associated with a high rate of complications, including severe pain, infection, bleeding, organ perforation, and urinary problems. In 2011, the FDA issued a warning about the potential dangers of transvaginal mesh implants, and in 2019 the agency banned the sale of most types of these devices. More than 100,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been filed by victims since that time, and manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson, C.R. Bard, and Endo International have paid billions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts.
- Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
Metal-on-metal hip implants were introduced in the early 2000s as an alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery. These implants are made of metal components that rub against each other, causing wear and tear that can release metal particles into the bloodstream, leading to tissue damage, bone loss, and metallosis, a type of metal poisoning. As a result, thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these devices. In 2016, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay more than $1 billion to settle claims related to its metal-on-metal hip implants. Some hip implant manufacturers have also faced large numbers of knee replacement lawsuits related to similar defects and health problems.
- Mirena Birth Control Device
Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine birth-control device (IUD) developed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Thousands of women have filed lawsuits against Bayer since 2012, arguing that the drug causes fluid buildup in the brain, breast cancer, and perforations of the uterus. The manufacturer has settled with roughly 5,000 plaintiffs for $12.2 million, but many other cases are still pending. Bayer has also faced tens of thousands of lawsuits over its Essure birth control device, which victims claim migrated out of its implantation site and damaged surrounding organs.
- IVC Filters
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are small devices inserted into the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart, to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. However, these devices have been associated with a high rate of complications, including filter migration, perforation of the vein or organs, and filter fracture. In 2010, the FDA issued a warning about the potential dangers of IVC filters, and in 2014 the agency recommended that these devices be removed as soon as the risk of blood clots had passed.
- Defective Pacemaker Lawsuits
Normally implanted in the shoulder, stomach, or chest, pacemakers are small devices that keep the heart beating in a proper rhythm. If a pacemaker fails, the patient can lose consciousness and may even die. Pacemaker failures can be caused by defects in the device, improper implantation, or interference by an outside force, like a magnetic security wand. For that reason, pacemaker lawsuits can vary widely in terms of their claims and who is sued.
If you believe you or a loved one has been injured by a defective medical device, it’s important to seek advice from a medical device lawyer or product liability lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer experienced in these areas will evaluate your case, help you gather all necessary evidence, and pursue your claim with your health and well-being in mind.
Our Record Speaks for Itself
The defective medical device lawyers at the Roach Law Firm have won landmark judgments and settlements totaling billions of dollars. Their victories include a $730 million victory in a Texas truck accident lawsuit. In 2021, it was named the fourth-largest jury verdict in the nation and third-largest in Texas.
Check this page for more information on defective medical devices and current medical device lawsuits.
Nelson J. Roach is a partner at the Roach Law Firm in Daingerfield, Texas. Over the last 30 years, Nelson has represented thousands of clients in many groundbreaking cases. Read more…