Today, many Montana residents suffering health issues rely on medical devices to treat or manage their conditions. Whether an individual undergoes surgery to have a medical device implanted or uses a medical device to monitor an illness, a medical device that is not working properly can cause serious injury to a patient. A defective medical device could leave a patient seriously or even fatally harmed.

What are some examples of defective medical devices? One example is a transvaginal mesh implant. These devices are implanted in women suffering from pelvic prolapse or stress urinary incontinence; however, some of these devices have been linked to serious pain and complications. Most commonly, the mesh deteriorates, causing small pieces to perforate nearby organs.

Metal hip replacements have also generated a number of product liability claims. If the hip replacement is defective or was improperly implanted in a patient, and the patient suffered harm as a result, this could provide a basis for a legal action.

Finally, some people have been injured by defective equipment used in Da Vinci robotic surgeries. If the equipment is defective or the surgeon makes an error, a robotically assisted procedure could go wrong and cause harm to the patient.

These are just a few examples of defective medical devices, not an exhaustive list. Over the years a number of devices have been the subject of product liability lawsuits, and new devices are continuing to generate lawsuits on a regular basis. Those who believe they have been harmed by a defective medical device may wish to consult an attorney who handles these types of cases. A products liability suit could help an injured party recover damages for any injuries and losses suffered.

Source: Findlaw.com, “Defective Medical Devices,” accessed Nov. 12, 2016