Many people here in Ohio and across the country rely on technological marvels to continue living full and productive lives. Medical devices extend and enhance people’s lives every day. Unfortunately, many of them also come with defects that cause more harm than good.
In fact, data indicates that the number of medical devices recalled in the first three months of 2018 rose an alarming 126 percent from the final three months of 2017. That equates to approximately 208.4 million medical devices subject to a variety of recalls. Almost 94 percent of the devices subject to these recalls resulted from defects during manufacturing. One of the primary causes for these recalls involved problems with their software.
Many point to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for allowing companies to release medical devices into the market that its own panels say were not safe enough. For instance, an FDA advisory panel unanimously concluded that the risks associated with an implantable cardiac device outweighed the benefits. Despite this, the FDA approved it for release in April. Unsuspecting patients trust that these and other medical devices will save their lives, but in truth, they may take them.
Families could lose loved ones and those who survive could suffer significant harm due to the millions of defective medical devices currently on the market. Ohio residents in these situations may have legal options. In order to know for sure, it may be worthwhile to gain an understanding of their rights, along with whether litigation would be a viable option to seek restitution for the damage done.
Source: drugwatch.com, “Medical Device Recalls Highest Since 2005“, Elaine Silvestrini and Kevin Connolly, May 9, 2018
