Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit
A Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit may be an option for patients who have been injured by a defective monitor/defibrillator due to poor electrical and battery connection issues related to the devices. These issues could prevent the device from operating properly, resulting in a delay in therapy that could lead to permanent organ damage, brain injury or death. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to seek compensation for injuries related to the Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator with the help of a defibrillator lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Have You Seen a Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit Commercial?
You may have seen a Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit commercial on television and wondered whether you or a loved one have been affected by issues associated with the device and, if so, whether you are eligible to pursue a claim against the manufacturer or others. The purpose of this article is to provide you with additional information so that you have a better understanding of your options.
Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator
What is a Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator?
Manufactured by Philips Healthcare, the HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator is an external, portable medical device used to pace people who have a slow heart beat or to deliver potentially life-saving electrical shocks to people who experience sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
Unlike automated external defibrillators that are often placed in public places for the general public to use in case of an emergency, the HeartStart MRx is specifically made for emergency medical services (EMS), paramedics and medical professionals who are trained in CPR.
How Does It Work?
Defibrillators provide treatment for patients who are experiencing life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmia, a group of conditions often characterized by an irregular, rapid or slow heartbeat. Portable cardiac monitors and defibrillators often provide critical care in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
Electrodes, or conductors that allow electrical current to enter and leave a patient’s body, are connected to the monitor/defibrillator to help it analyze a patient’s heart rhythm. During sudden cardiac arrest, the electrodes deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm or pace the heart at a normal rate when it slows down.
External Defibrillator Safety
Although external defibrillators are important, life-saving devices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen a number of safety problems associated with some types of external defibrillators, across all manufacturers. According to a “Letter to Manufacturers of External Defibrillators About Developing Safer Products,” the FDA determined that “there are numerous problems with industry practices for designing and manufacturing defibrillators, handling user complaints, conducting recalls, and communicating with users.” The FDA further recommends that device manufacturers consider the issues associated with pre-marketing evaluations and meet with agency to discuss any materials in support of the device’s submission.
Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Recall
In March 2017, Philips Healthcare recalled its HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators. According to a recall notice issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 24, 2017, electrical and battery connection issues could prevent the device from powering up, charging and delivering an electrical shock therapy.
Additionally, the device could stop pacing without warning. If therapy is delayed, patients are at risk for serious injury, including permanent organ damage, brain injury or death.
Over 47,000 devices are being recalled in the United States. Recalled devices were manufactured from February 11, 2004 to November 4, 2016, and distributed from February 12, 2004 to November 4, 2016.
Devices subject to recall include:
- M3535A (M3535ATZ)
- M3536A (M3536ATZ)
- M3536M
- M3536MC
- M3536M2
- M3536M4
- M3536M5
- M3536M6
- M3536M7
- M3536M8
- M3536M9
Health care providers and first responders using the devices as well as patients who may need defibrillation or pacing may be affected by the recall and/or malfunctioning device. The FDA has identified the recall as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall.
Lauren A. on May 16, 2016
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Manufacturer and FDA Recommendations
In February 2017, the manufacturer, Philips Healthcare, sent an “Urgent Medical Device Correction” notice to its customers. In their letter, health care providers and their patients are urged to identify the affected devices, inspect the battery for dirty connector pins, and follow the instructions enclosed in the manufacturer’s notice. Likewise, health care professionals and consumers can report any adverse reactions or safety problems associated with the Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
Is There a Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor Defibrillator Class Action?
There is no Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator class action pending as of March 2017. Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator lawsuit attorneys are doubtful that a class action will be certified for patients who are adversely affected by the heart devices. Instead, if multiple Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator lawsuits are filed against the device manufacturers alleging injuries and other damages caused by Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillators and similar external cardiac defibrillators, it is anticipated that these lawsuits will be consolidated for discovery and other pretrial proceedings.
When cases are consolidated in this way in federal court it is called multidistrict litigation (MDL), and on a state level it is known as a state court consolidated proceeding. MDLs are distinct from class actions, and it is generally agreed that consolidating cases instead of proceeding in a class action is a more efficient and effective way of handling claims arising from injuries caused by defective medical devices.
Have There Been Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit Settlements?
A Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator lawsuit attorney notes that some cases settle early in the claims process, but it is not expected that there will be early Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator lawsuit settlements. In most cases that proceed in an MDL or state court consolidated proceedings, after a certain period of time initial trials, also known as bellwether trials, take place. The purpose of these trials is for the parties to get an idea of the types of evidence and arguments that will made, as well as to see how juries will respond to the evidence and arguments. After a certain number of cases have been tried, the parties are in a better position to determine whether a case can be settled.
It is expected that Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator settlements will follow this pattern, although the outcome of any case is never guaranteed and past results are not necessarily predictive of future outcomes.
Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawsuit News
- March 2017Philips Healthcare recalls its HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators due to electrical and battery connection issues that could prevent the device from powering up, charging and delivering an electrical shock therapy.
- February 2017Philips Healthcare sends an “Urgent Medical Device Correction” notice to its customers informing them of issues associated with electrical and battery connections.
- February 2014Philips Healthcare sends multiple “Urgent Medical Device Correction” notices to its customers regarding issues associated with the device’s hardware and software.
- July 2012Philips Healthcare sends an “Urgent Medical Device Correction” notice to its customers informing them of issues with higher than expected levels of stress leading to accelerated wear.
How a Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator Lawyer Can Help
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by a defective heart defibrillator may be eligible to recover money for:
Medical Expenses
Lost Wages
Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
