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Defective Medical Devices

Denver Medical Malpractice Attorney William P. Godsman

Defective Medical Devices and Products

Medical devices are a vital part of treatment for individuals suffering from joint, back, heart, and other health problems and are often used to save lives. However, every year, thousands of people are injured or killed because of faulty or defective medical devices. A medical device is generally determined to be defective if it contains a manufacturing or design flaw. Consumers and patients have a right to be warned about risks and adverse side effects associated with medical devices. As a result, manufacturers may be held liable for injuries resulting from their defective medical devices or their failure to warn the public about product risks. If you believe you have been injured by a defective medical device, it is important to contact a Colorado Medical Malpractice Lawyer immediately to discuss all of your legal options.

Hundreds of new medical devices are placed on the market every year. All too often, manufacturing companies take shortcuts and fail to spend enough time testing their products, sometimes resulting in dangerous product flaws. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating medical devices and issuing recalls of devices found to be defective. However, with the large volume of new devices to test, the FDA sometimes approves products without testing them, based upon the products’ “substantial similarity” to an existing device that has already been approved. All of this can lead to defective and possibly dangerous medical devices being put on the market.

Denver Colorado Medical Negligence Attorney

There are many medical devices commonly found to have defects. These include:

Pacemakers
Heart stents
Heart valves
Defibrillators
Replacement joints, including knees, hips, and shoulders
Bone and joint screws, rods, and plates
Cosmetic implants
Contraceptive devices, including IUDs
Medicine pumps, including pain pumps
Lasers used in refractive eye surgery, including LASIK eye surgery

If medical devices are free from defects and used properly, they can greatly improve the quality of life for many people and may even be life-saving. However, patients should be aware of the risks associated with these devices and keep up to date on negative conditions that can result from their long-term use. It is also vital to keep track of all your medical devices, so you can check routinely for any recalls that are issued.

If you or a family member has been hurt as a result of a defective medical device, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the manufacturer for your losses. Medical device malpractice lawsuits can be complex, involving state law and possibly federal safety and FDA approval issues, so it is crucial to have an experienced Colorado malpractice attorney representing your case.

Free Consultation
If you are concerned that you have suffered an unneccessary injury or impairment due to medical negligence, contact Denver medical malpractice attorney William P. Godsman today. He can provide a free case consultation and discuss with you your legal options for recovery. Call (303) 455-6900.

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