Missouri Defective Medical Device Attorney

If you have experienced injuries or have lost a loved one due to complications caused by a medical device, contact Attorney Group for Missouri today to learn more about your options.

We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. We can answer your questions, and if you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Missouri defective medical device attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.

Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited.

Call us at (314) 325-1818 today for your free case review.

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What is a Medical Device?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the maker of a medical device may only apply for official recognition if the device meets the following guidelines:

  • The device must replace the body part or organ of a human being or animal after the initial organ or body part ceases to function properly.
  • The United States Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary must officially recognize the instrument or device.
  • Diseases or injuries can be treated, cured or prevented by the device, or a disease or condition can be diagnosed by the device.

If the machine, implement, or tool meets the aforementioned standards, the FDA approval process can officially start.

FDA Device Approval Process Criticism

According to the The Washington Post, numerous members of the public, physicians and patients have become wary of the FDA approval process following the failure of several, prominent medical devices. One of those concerns regards a special FDA program known as “fast-track,” which has a remarkably high approval rate of 90 percent. As long as the medical device is similar to ones that are already on the market, it can be approved for distribution and marketing in 90 days or less. The program is open to many devices that do not require clinical testing on humans.

The article also points out that in less than five years over 112 million medical devices have been recalled. Another disturbing aspect of these recalls is the fact that the fast-track program approved over 70 percent of these recalled devices, many of which were proven to be life-threatening. Despite such overwhelming statistics, many people, primarily pharmaceutical lobbyists, claim that the FDA approval process is too long and that it hinders patients from accessing potentially life-saving medical devices and treatments.

Gaps in the Approval System

A Bloomberg article detailing government criticism of the FDA referenced the failure of a popular endoscopic device. After the device was linked to the spread of deadly bacteria, investigators uncovered several problems, including:

  • Initial infection patterns were not noticed by the FDA.
  • When infections were noticed, hospitals failed to report them properly.
  • Neither the device manufacturer nor the FDA understood the scope of the infection threat.
  • American hospitals were not warned about the potential for deadly device complications.
  • It took too long for an official warning to be issued.

The endoscopic device eventually claimed dozens of lives and spread bacteria throughout several hospitals. The FDA, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of these devices before they are marketed, was harshly criticized by members of the Senate. Such events have led numerous critics to classify the FDA medical device approval process as a complete failure.

Why a Missouri Defective Medical Device Attorney May Be Necessary

According to the FDA, over 30 popular medical devices were taken off the market due to their ability to harm patients in 2015. Here are just a few of the devices that have been officially recalled for safety reasons.

  • Heartware Ventricular Assist System
  • GE Healthcare Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System
  • CareFusion Alaris Syringe Pump Alarm
  • Zimmer M/L Taper With Kinectiv Technology Prosthesis

These defective devices have led many patients to file suit against manufacturers and government agencies alike.

How a Missouri Defective Medical Device Attorney Can Help

Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, 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 defective medical devices 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.

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