Today's medical devices represent the cutting edge of medical and engineering ingenuity. They have proven extremely beneficial for those suffering from such serious medical conditions as arthritis and heart disease. There is no disputing that artificial hips and knees, and implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, have added comfort and extended patients' lives.

Unfortunately, not all medical devices have proven to be beneficial. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nearly 2500 medical devices were recalled in 2008. That was almost double the number of recalls in 2007, and a 164% increase in recalls from 2000.

Medical device manufacturers have a duty to warn physicians and the public, of defects in the design or manufacture of their products as they become known. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.

A tragic example is the story of Michael King, who in 2008 donated a kidney to his wife. During surgery, his doctor used a surgical clip to tie off Michael's renal artery. Before the surgery, the clip's manufacturer issued a notice warning doctors not to use the clip on living kidney donors, because it could become dislodged. Unfortunately the notice never got to Michael's doctor. After surgery, the clip popped off and Michael bled to death. He was only 29.

Often, manufacturers become aware of problems with their products and fail to issue warnings or notices. This is alleged to be the case with Stryker Hip Implants. Sometimes problems with these devices are not in the design, but in the manufacturing process, as is alleged to be the case with Medtronic Pacemakers.

Other notable recalls involve the Guidant Cardiac Defibrillator, Medtronic BioGlide® Ventricular Shunt Catheter, Biomet Hip Replacements and the Bard® Composix® Kugel® Mesh Hernia Patch.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm from a defective medical device, you may be entitled to compensation. In many cases prompt action is required to meet legal deadlines and protect your rights.

Please contact us for a free consultation. We’re available at our New York and New Jersey offices to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.