Many people suffer from conditions that necessitate monitoring and the assistance of a medical device to maintain and regulate vital body functions. These devices can often save a patient’s life if used correctly and function as intended. Unfortunately, when mistakes happen, the consequences for the patient and their families can be severe. Few people expect machines, equipment, or tools used by healthcare professionals to cause us undue harm or to exacerbate medical problems.
Medical devices have the potential to save lives. A well-designed and manufactured medical device that is properly sterilized, used, and monitored can be invaluable in assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. However, there is a risk of harm to the patient when defective medical devices are used or negligent care is provided. Unfortunately, medical device errors can sometimes cause serious harm to patients. You may be able to recover damages if you believe you were injured as a result of a medical device error. DeFrancisco & Falgiatano’s skilled Upstate New York medical malpractice attorneys can assess your chances of recovering damages through legal action. We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.
From basic hospital supplies and lab equipment to advanced technological aids like internal monitors and artificial body parts and organs, medical devices cover it all. According to Consumer Reports, even though tens of millions of patients rely on these types of devices to diagnose, manage, and maintain a variety of health conditions, these products are loosely regulated and frequently lack thorough testing before being released to the public. Because there is little regulation or standardized procedure for reporting potential problems, medical device defects and errors frequently go undetected until a significant number of patients are injured or killed.
When there are multiple reported problems or errors with a specific medical device, the Food and Drug Administration may issue a product safety alert or recall. More than 30 different types of medical devices were recalled in 2020 alone due to potential patient harm, including the following:
- Diagnostic devices, such as lab equipment and home test strips; • External devices, such as heart pumps and ventilators; • Internal maintenance devices, such as pacemakers and coronary stents; and • Implanted devices, such as surgical mesh and artificial joints.
One of the leading causes of injury and death in healthcare treatment facilities is prescription overdose or medication dispensing errors. While human error is a factor in many cases, faulty valves can also cause problems. For example, an intravenous drip of medication is dosed appropriately to the patient and within safety standards; however, a single faulty valve on the IV can result in increased medication flow and overdose, which can be harmful or even fatal to the patient. Defibrillators, anesthetic machines, blood pressure monitoring equipment, respiratory equipment, assistive devices such as lift chairs for bathing patients, and other medical devices are frequently mentioned in personal injury lawsuits.
Medical device malpractice suits are becoming more common, whether the equipment is outdated, poorly maintained, or faulty due to a manufacturer’s defect. When patients are admitted to a hospital for treatment, they expect cutting-edge technology. However, rising costs and shrinking budgets have forced many hospitals and primary care facilities to extend the useful life of equipment beyond what is considered safe for use on patients.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a medical device error, contact the seasoned medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano represent patients and their families who have been injured throughout Upstate New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, Elmira, Binghamton, Auburn, Ithaca, Oswego, Norwich, Herkimer, Delhi, Cooperstown, Cortland, Lowville, Oneida, Watertown, Utica, Canandaigua, Wampsville, Lyons, and surrounding areas. Please call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us via our online form with any questions.