Many individuals in West Virginia and elsewhere rely on medical devices to assist in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Should a medical device prove defective or dangerous, the health of a patient could be placed at significant risk. Individuals who suffer harm due to such a device may be entitled to compensation, and many could choose to pursue it through a products liability claim.
According to reports, Medicare has spent as much as $1.5 billion over the past 10 years in the replacement of numerous types of defective medical devices. This process affected nearly 73,000 individuals who had to have their devices replaced. Some of the issues listed in the devices involved chances of premature failure and the potential risk of infection, either of which could be extremely dangerous.
Those who are forced to undergo procedures to have a similar device implanted within them generally expect it to function properly. Individuals may also expect to be informed of any potential risks associated with a product before proceeding, and failure to disclose such information could prove devastating. Should a medical device suddenly stop working, or cause one’s condition to worsen, he or she could suffer a great deal of harm in the process.
Individuals who suffer serious injuries due to a defective or dangerous medical device may wish to pursue claims for restitution, but they might be uncertain how best to proceed. By speaking with an attorney, a client in West Virginia could obtain such much-needed assistance in navigating the process. An attorney can address a client’s injuries, along with his or her financial needs, and assist in pursuing the full amount of compensation entitled through a products liability claim against the party or parties deemed culpable.
Source: oregonlive.com, “Medicare Guide 2017: Defective heart devices cost agency $1.5B in 10 years“, Oct. 8, 2017
