Defective medical devices can have devastating consequences for patients. When these products fail, they can cause serious injuries, worsen existing conditions, and leave patients facing additional surgeries, hospital stays, or permanent disability.
The failure or flawed design of a medical device doesn’t just harm individual patients—it places a significant strain on local healthcare resources. Complications from faulty implants, surgical tools, or monitoring equipment can require emergency care, extended rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. In turn, these create enormous financial and emotional burdens for families and the broader community.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we take an aggressive approach to defective medical device cases. We work with medical experts, review regulatory policies and laws, and dig into product design flaws to hold manufacturers accountable. Our team is committed to helping defective medical device victims in Modesto recover full compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Medical Devices With Known Defect Issues
Over the last several decades, many different medical devices have been linked to serious complications in patients who receive them due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or insufficient testing. Patients in Modesto and across the country have suffered harm from these products, many of which are still in use today.
Some of the most commonly reported defective medical devices include:
- Joint Replacement Implants
- Hernia and Transvaginal Mesh
- IVC Filters
- Breast Implants
- Insulin Pumps and Glucose Monitors
How Medical Devices Fail Patients
When medical devices don’t function as intended, the consequences can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Here are some of the most common ways these products fail patients:
- Premature Device Failure: Some medical devices stop working long before their expected lifespan, forcing patients to undergo additional surgeries or procedures, which carry risks of complications and side effects.
- Material Degradation: Over time, certain materials used in implants or mesh products can break down, leading to inflammation, pain, or internal damage.
- Device Migration Within the Body: Medical devices that shift from their original position can damage nearby organs, tissues, or blood vessels.
- Infection and Rejection: Poor design or contamination can lead to serious infections or the body rejecting the device entirely.
- Software and Electronic Malfunctions: High-tech devices like insulin pumps or monitors may fail due to software glitches, leading to improper treatment or missed alerts.
The Impact of Defective Medical Devices on Patients
When a medical device fails or is defectively designed from the start, it can have life-altering consequences that go far beyond physical discomfort. Patients who receive defective medical devices often face a range of long-term challenges and complications, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Need for revision surgeries
- Chronic health complications
- Reduced mobility or function
- Emotional and psychological effects
Healthcare Providers’ Role in Defective Medical Device Cases
While manufacturers are often at the center of defective device claims, healthcare providers also play a crucial role in documenting, reporting, and helping patients manage complications. Here’s how they factor into these cases:
- Documentation of Device Failures: Providers are often the first to observe and document signs of a device malfunction, which can be important evidence in a legal claim.
- Medical Records Importance: Thorough and accurate medical records help establish the timeline of injury and link complications directly to the defective device.
- Reporting Obligations to Manufacturers and FDA: Physicians and hospitals may be required to report adverse device events to the manufacturer and the FDA through the MedWatch system.
- Second Opinions After Complications: Seeking a second medical opinion can confirm device-related issues and support a stronger case for legal action.
- Physician Responsibility vs. Manufacturer Liability: While doctors must use reasonable care when recommending or implanting a device, the manufacturer is typically held liable for defects in design, production, or marketing.
Medical Device Approval Process Failures
Many defective medical devices make it to market due to weaknesses in the approval and oversight system, putting patients at risk before problems are ever identified. Here are some of the key shortcomings that can result in defective devices being approved for sale and implantation in patients’ bodies:
- 510(k) Clearance Issues: The FDA’s 510(k) pathway allows devices to be approved based on their similarity to existing products, often without new safety testing.
- Clinical Trial Limitations: Some devices undergo minimal or poorly controlled testing, which may fail to reveal long-term risks or complications.
- Post-Market Surveillance Gaps: Once devices are on the market, limited follow-up and weak reporting systems can delay the discovery of serious defects.
- Industry Influence on Approval: Lobbying and close ties between manufacturers and regulators can lead to conflicts of interest and rushed approvals.
- Foreign vs. Domestic Device Standards: Devices approved overseas may not meet the same safety standards as those required in the U.S., creating confusion and risk when used domestically.
Potential Recovery for Modesto Medical Device Victims
Patients harmed by defective medical devices may be eligible to recover compensation for many different types of damages and losses, including financial and emotional. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue damages for:
- Costs of removal and replacement surgeries
- Ongoing medical treatment for complications
- Lost earnings during extended recovery
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Future medical monitoring needs
Berg Injury Lawyers’ Experience with Medical Device Cases
Going up against a multi-billion-dollar medical device manufacturer can be extremely intimidating and feel like an unfair right. However, with the right legal team on your side, you can level the playing field and get full and fair compensation.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to handle complex defective medical device claims. Our team is committed to guiding Modesto clients through every step of the legal process with skill and compassion.
Here’s how we help injured defective medical device victims:
- Success in Similar Device Litigation: We have a proven track record of securing compensation for clients harmed by dangerous and defective medical products.
- Medical Expert Network: Our firm works closely with leading medical professionals who help us evaluate device failures and testify on behalf of our clients.
- Understanding of Complex Device Specifications: We’re well-versed in the technical aspects of medical devices, allowing us to identify design flaws and manufacturer negligence.
- Resources for Thorough Case Investigation: From reviewing medical records to analyzing regulatory filings, we leave no stone unturned when building your case.
- Compassionate Client Communication: We prioritize clear, respectful, and timely communication so our clients always feel informed and supported throughout their claim.
No Fee Guarantee®
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire or simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers Today
It’s devastating to realize the device that was supposed to improve your health or mobility has instead harmed it. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for millions of Americans due to medical device companies’ shortcuts, oversights, and downright negligence.
Thankfully, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Modesto defective product lawyers are here to help you move forward with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can fight to protect your rights.
