Medical devices are intended to improve quality of life and manage symptoms of serious illnesses or injuries. Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan. When medical care providers use damaged or defective devices, it can lead to severe injuries, limitations, and even death. It is easy to feel overwhelmed at the physical and financial challenges this poses, but we have seasoned medical malpractice attorneys who know exactly how to help you.
A Fort Washington medical device injury lawyer can help you file a claim that can recover funds to pay your medical bills and manage other costs from these devastating injuries.
Finding the Reason for the Damage
In order to file a claim for compensation after a medical device injury, you will need to work with a Fort Washington lawyer to determine who is responsible. Medical device injuries usually result from one of two things: a problem in the manufacturing process, or a problem with the way the medical care provider managed the patient’s use of that device.
Provider Negligence
“Provider negligence” means the fault for the medical device injury rests with the care provider – usually the doctor overseeing that procedure or the condition being treated. Providers might fail in their duty to their patients when they:
- Fail to install or use a medical device correctly
- Use a recalled or potentially dangerous medical device
- Do not monitor the patient properly after device installation
- Fail to properly warn the patient about the dangers associated with installing or using the medical device
In those cases, the injured person can file a claim against the provider for the harm they experienced.
Product Liability
“Product liability” includes cases in which a poor design of the medical device, or errors in its manufacture, causes the injuries. That may mean the manufacturer or distributor caused some of these key issues:
- Defects in the development of one device or a whole line of them
- Problems with the design of the device
- Failure to provide proper instructions or warnings about device installation or use
Generally, claims for a defective product will go against either the product designer or manufacturer. Companies involved in the distribution process may also be included in the claim.
Common Medical Device Injuries
Medical device injuries can include a wide range of potential challenges depending on the device installed and its purpose. The most common medical device injuries that our Fort Washington lawyers tend to encounter include:
- Surgical or implantation complications
- Device malfunctions, including failure to serve the purpose the device was implanted for
- Increased risk of infection
- Pressure injuries
Compensation for Medical Device Injuries
Seeking compensation for medical device injuries allows you to recover some of the financial losses you experienced because of this negligence. Each person’s losses will look a little different based on their injuries and the complications they faced. Most claims, however, will include compensation for the same general elements. We often start with a close look at the medical costs, including additional time in the hospital or rising treatment costs. Next, we will take a close look at any income losses you experienced due to being unable to work. Finally, most claims include compensation for the patient’s suffering.
If a patient in Fort Washington dies because of a defective medical device, their family can work with a lawyer to seek financial compensation. Wrongful death claims typically include compensation for funeral and burial costs and the loss of their loved one’s income, in addition to compensation for the family’s suffering.
Discuss Your Medical Device Injuries with Our Fort Washington Attorney Right Away
Dealing with defective medical devices can leave you with immense costs and significant suffering. Our Fort Washington lawyer can help you review your losses and file a medical device injury claim to recover some financial help. You deserve nothing less than full support and we can provide it. Contact Friedman, Schuman Layser today for a consultation.