Manufacturers have hidden more than 56,000 surgical stapler complication reports from the public in secret FDA filings.
Internal or implantable surgical staples are used in millions of patients each year who undergo gastrointestinal, gynecologic, or thoracic surgeries.
Now, after a seven-year review, the FDA is warning doctors and patients that the malfunction or misuse of these devices can result in serious injury or death. A leading manufacturer, Ethicon, was also forced to issue a recall.
FDA records show that more than 100,000 medical device complication reports have been filed for surgical staplers since 2011, with over 10,000 serious injuries and nearly 400 patient deaths.
Surgical staple complications can result in tissue or organ damage, internal bleeding, infections, additional surgeries, cancer recurrence or death.
Since patients were never warned of these severe risks, they may be entitled to substantial compensation from device manufacturers.
The Timeline Leading to Surgical Stapler Lawsuits
Several U.S. laws allow consumers that have been injured by poorly designed or defective products to recover damages from the manufacturers. This also applies to medical devices used during surgery.
Like with previous claims against the makers of defective stents, blood monitors, and artificial implants, lawyers are now helping those who’ve suffered injury or lost a loved one after a surgery as a result of a defective surgical staple device.
In almost all cases, these claims are filed against the maker of the surgical tool, and not your doctor. Additionally, these are individual lawsuits that can provide greater compensation and legal rights for victims than they would receive from a class action lawsuit.
In those situations of patient death or where serious complications require additional medical treatment, the damages and potential compensation in these cases can be significant.
If you or a family member suffered serious injury, repeat surgery or death after undergoing a surgery, it is important that you learn whether a defective medical device was the cause.
Even if you don’t know the cause of your surgical complication, a lawyer can investigate your case, reviewing the extensive surgical reports that your doctor may not normally discuss. However, there’s only a limited amount of time to file a claim.
Fortunately, it’s easy to get help and file a claim if you qualify, and you won’t pay anything unless you receive an award. Also, the right lawyer can handle most aspects of your case without you ever having to leave your home or attend court hearings.
DrugNews makes it easy to speak directly with a lawyer or patient advocate today to learn more about your options. And, we work only with the top attorneys and law firms that have successfully handled thousands of defective medical device lawsuits against the largest companies.
For more information, or to learn about your options - call, chat or email us today.
Call, email or live chat with us today to see how we can help.
