Medical devices are designed to improve lives, aid in recovery, and manage chronic conditions. However, when a medical device is defective or malfunctions, it can lead to severe health complications, additional surgeries, permanent disabilities, or even death. In Georgia, patients harmed by defective medical devices have legal options to seek compensation for their injuries and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a defective medical device, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to protect your health and claim fair compensation.
What Are Defective Medical Devices?
A defective medical device is any product used for medical treatment that fails due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings. When a device fails, it can cause serious injury, medical complications, or even wrongful death.
Common Types of Defective Medical Devices
Some of the most common problematic medical devices include:
- Hip and Knee Replacements – Some metal-on-metal implants have been known to fail prematurely, cause metal toxicity, or lead to painful revisions.
- Pacemakers & Defibrillators – Battery malfunctions or wiring defects can lead to life-threatening failures.
- Surgical Mesh – Used in hernia and pelvic surgeries, defective mesh can cause infections, organ damage, or severe pain.
- Insulin Pumps – Malfunctioning insulin delivery can result in life-threatening blood sugar fluctuations.
- IUDs & Birth Control Implants – Devices like Mirena or Essure have been linked to internal damage, migration, and severe complications.
- Ventilators & Breathing Machines – Defective ventilators can cause oxygen deprivation or lung injuries.
- Prosthetic Limbs & Orthopedic Devices – Poorly designed prosthetics can lead to pain, mobility issues, and revision surgeries.
If you’ve been harmed by one of these or another defective medical device, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Types of Defects That Can Lead to Medical Device Lawsuits
A defective medical device can be dangerous due to three primary types of defects:
1. Design Defects
- The device is flawed from the start, meaning every unit produced carries the same risk.
- Example: A metal hip replacement that corrodes over time, leading to metal poisoning in the patient.
2. Manufacturing Defects
- The device is designed correctly, but something went wrong during production (e.g., contamination, missing parts, or poor materials).
- Example: A pacemaker with faulty wiring that causes irregular heartbeats.
3. Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects)
- Lack of proper instructions or safety warnings for doctors and patients.
- Example: A drug-coated stent that fails to include risks of blood clotting in the warning label.
If a defective device injured you, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages and hold manufacturers, hospitals, or distributors accountable.
How to Know If You Have a Case for a Defective Medical Device Lawsuit
You may have a legal claim if:
- The device failed unexpectedly, leading to new injuries or complications.
- You had to undergo corrective surgery due to a defective implant.
- The device was recalled by the manufacturer or the FDA.
- You experienced severe side effects not listed in the warning materials.
- Your doctor was unaware of certain risks when using the device.
If any of these apply to you, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or other responsible parties.
Compensation for Victims of Defective Medical Devices
If you’ve suffered due to a faulty medical device, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Surgery costs, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work due to complications.
- Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one died due to a defective medical device, the family can pursue compensation for funeral costs and lost financial support.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the manufacturer acted with gross negligence, courts may award additional damages to punish wrongdoing.
How to File a Defective Medical Device Lawsuit in Georgia
If you’ve been injured by a defective medical device, follow these steps to protect your rights:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Visit your doctor to document all complications related to the device.
- If possible, have the device removed and preserved as evidence.
2. Gather Medical Records & Documentation
- Keep a record of doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and treatment plans.
- Save any brochures, warning labels, or manufacturer instructions that came with the device.
3. Check for FDA Recalls & Warnings
- Visit the FDA website to see if the device has been recalled or issued a safety warning.
4. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
- A defective medical device case requires extensive investigation, medical experts, and legal expertise.
- An attorney will gather evidence, prove liability, and fight for your maximum compensation.
How Gunn Law Group Can Help You
At Gunn Law Group, we specialize in product liability and defective medical device lawsuits. We work tirelessly to hold medical manufacturers, hospitals, and distributors accountable when their negligence harms patients.
- We handle the entire legal process – so you can focus on healing.
- We gather evidence and medical expert opinions – to prove your case.
- We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies – to get you the maximum settlement.
- We take cases to trial if necessary – to ensure you receive full compensation.
If you’ve been injured by a defective medical device, you don’t have to fight alone. Let “the Big Gunn” fight for your rights.
Call Gunn Law Group at 888-244-4866 today for a free consultation.
Conclusion
Defective medical devices can cause life-altering injuries, medical complications, and even death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a faulty implant, pacemaker, or any other device, you have the right to pursue justice and compensation.
Don’t wait—contact Gunn Law Group today to discuss your case and take the first step toward holding negligent manufacturers accountable.
