Local (614) 469-1400 | Toll Free (800) 647-7003

Defective Medical Device FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Defective Medical Device Cases

What should I do if a medical device that I am using has been recalled or is defective?
If you suspect that you have a medical device that is defective or has been recalled, first contact your doctor to discuss your treatment options. If you believe you have suffered injury because of a defective medical device, you should call an experienced medical device lawyer lawyer.
Is the medical device manufacturer liable for my injuries?
Medical device companies have the duty to ensure that the medical devices they design, manufacture and market are safe and to warn consumers of potential risks. If the medical device maker fails to meet these obligations, it is liable for injuries. In addition, other entities such as the distributor may be liable.
Do I have a claim against my doctor for prescribing the medical device?
Generally speaking, no. The prescribing physician normally relies upon the representations of the manufacturer and the FDA. We do not ordinarily pursue claims against the prescriber.
Why are there so many defective medical devices?
Medical device manufacturing is a multi-billion dollar industry. Sometimes, clinical trials—testing of the device prior to marketing—are insufficient. Sometimes key facts from clinical trials might be omitted or covered up in order to obtain FDA approval. Often times, it takes time—sometimes years—before a sufficient number of adverse drug events are linked to the device. Medical device recalls and warnings generally occur after the Food and Drug Administration has received a significant number of reports of adverse effects from physicians.
What medical devices are you currently investigating?
The list of medical device claims we are investigating is available on our Dangerous Medical Device page. We closely monitor news from the Food and Drug Administration to stay informed regarding new developments and warnings for drugs. If you have suffered an adverse side effect from a drug you are using, contact our office.
What are my rights?
If you or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of a defective medical device, you have the right to be compensated for medical costs, lost wages, decreased earning ability and pain and suffering.
Will my claim be part of a class action?
Usually, claims for injury caused by defective medical devices are individual claims. However, where hundreds or thousands of consumers suffer injury after ingesting the same drug, the claims are sometimes consolidated in a federal multi-district litigation, or ‘MDL.’
What is an MDL?
“MDL” stands for “multi-district litigation.” When a great number of cases involving the same issues arise, those cases can be consolidated into an MDL. Consolidating cases into one federal court heard by one judge results in uniform treatment and results for all consumers and often saves substantial time and expense.
What are bellwether trials?
By definition, a “bellwether” is an indicator or forecaster of a future trend. A bellwether trial is the trial of a representative plaintiff’s claim, the result of which acts as a “bellwether” for the other plaintiffs with the same claim. Courts use bellwether trials in MDLs because it is not possible for all cases to be tried. The results of bellwether trials are often helpful in settlement negotiations.
How long does it take to receive compensation?
A defective medical device lawsuit is a complicated matter and is seldom resolved quickly. There is no standard answer, however, it is not uncommon for defective medical device claims to take 3-5 years to resolve.
Can I file a defective medical device claim for a deceased family member?
Claims for injury or wrongful death of a deceased person may be pursued by the legal representative of the estate.
Why should I choose Clark, Perdue & List to represent me?
It is important that you retain an experienced attorney to handle your medical device claim. The medical device attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List have successfully represented hundreds of individuals who have suffered injury or death as a result of defective medical devices, including hip implants, knee implants, heart devices, hernia mesh and pelvic mesh.

More About Unsafe Medical Devices

Back to Unsafe Medical Devices

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a unsafe medical device, contact us for a free consultation.

Contact Us

RECENT BLOG POSTS FOR DEFECTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES

Paragard IUD Lawsuits: Don’t Wait to Take Action

The Paragard IUD, the only copper intrauterine device available in the U.S., is widely promoted as a hormone-free, long-lasting birth control option. However, serious safety concerns have led to lawsuits against its manufacturer, with claims that the device is prone...

read more

Medical Device Recall Issued for Baxter MiniCap Products

In February 2023, Baxter Healthcare Corporation issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall for the MiniCap product. These devices are packaged in foil pouches, which may have been incorrectly sealed, i.e., the pouches may have open or weak seals. This could lead to...

read more

Faulty Hip Replacement Devices

Joint replacement surgeries are becoming more common as medical technologies advance and people are living more active lives. A common joint to fail is the hip joint as it is the largest joint in the body.  According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,...

read more

Knee Replacement Medical Devices Recalls

Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by various causes. Knee replacements are common as the knee is the largest joint in the body and having healthy knees is required to perform...

read more

Knee & Ankle Joint Replacement Recall

The medical device company, Exactech, has expanded its recall of some of its knee and ankle medical implants due to improper vacuum sealed bags that did not meet specifications.  The products were packaged without an additional layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol that further augments oxygen resistance.

read more

Paragard IUD Lawsuit Update

For more than a year, Clark Perdue has been investigating and pursuing claims for women who have suffered injury as a result of the Paragard® IUD.  This is a brief update on the status of these case. In December 2020, the the United States Judicial Panel on...

read more