New Jersey Defective Medical Device Attorneys

Product Liability Lawyers in NJ

Medical devices can be quite diverse, from sophisticated computerized and Wi-Fi-capable medical equipment to the most basic of medical supplies such as gloves or tongue depressors. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets requirements and oversees the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) relative to medical devices. The FDA also evaluates the efficacy, function, and safety of medical devices before they are marketed to and used by the public and healthcare community. The Medical Device Reporting program (MDR) requires reporting to the FDA any incidents where a medical device may have contributed to or caused a serious injury or death, as well as any other deficiencies that might constitute a “defective medical device.”

Recalls of Defective Medical Devices

If the FDA determines that there is a problem with a medical device, a recall can be implemented. Reasons include violation of FDA standards and/or regulations or devices that are otherwise defective or a risk to the health of the intended user/recipient. The FDA uses a three-level system classifying the risk of harm from a medical device:

• Class I is a reasonable probability that exposure to, or use of the product, may cause serious consequence to health or death.
• Class II is a probability that exposure to, or use of the product, may cause medically reversible or temporary health consequences or the remote possibility of serious health consequences.
• Class III is the least serious in nature, where exposure to or use of the medical device is not likely to cause adverse consequences to health.

The Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (the SMDA) was enacted on Nov. 28, 1990. This law was precipitated by an FDA finding that a significant number of medical device recalls were required secondary to faulty product design. One study on defective medical devices recalled by the FDA found that product malfunction and manufacturer errors account for the majority of recalls.

Some categories of medical devices recalled in recent years include those used in the following fields of medicine:

• Cardiovascular (including various cardiac stents)
• General hospital care
• General surgery (including hernia, gynecologic, and other surgical meshes)
• Plastic surgery
• Neurology
• Anesthesiology
• Infectious disease
• Orthopedics (especially hip and knee prosthetics)

We have come to rely upon and trust the integrity of medical devices used in our healthcare, and we consider them generally to be safe, beneficial, and not a source of risk or harm. However, due to defective design, inadequate warnings and/or testing, improper use, or other shortcomings in medical products, many hazards exist which could result in significant injury to a patient and even death.

“Words cannot express how tremendously grateful I am to Jeff Zenna for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging times in my life.”

– Sophia P. /Client

“I just wanted to take some time to thank you and your team for all your help in the last 3 1/2 years. Your confidence, professionalism, knowledge, and efficiency in resolving this case have been greatly appreciated by my family and I. ”

– Michael Flynn /Client

“You exhibited a genuine caring for my predicament and the outcome. These are all qualities that are prized in any professional relationship.”

– V /Client

Defective Medical Device Claims in NJ

If you have been injured – or suspect you have been injured – by a defective medical device, the best course of action is to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You may have a claim for compensation for your injuries, whether the device has been recalled or not. Damages you may be able to recover may include medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earning potential, pain and suffering, and other losses based upon the facts in the case.

You have a right to know what medical devices were used in your surgery or medical treatment and which party made the decision to use the specific device. Our attorneys are well-versed in product liability matters. We can analyze the details found in your medical records and help you obtain information about your treatment and determine who can be held accountable for the impact on your life. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Physician
• Medical facility
• Device manufacturer
• Medical sales representative
• Testing laboratory where device was tested
• Retailer, such as a pharmacy or medical supply

To recover compensation for your injuries, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to pursue damages. This can be done as a:

• Personal injury lawsuit: This means filing a claim in a court of law to recover damages from the responsible party.
• Mass tort litigation: When many consumers are injured on a large scale by defective drugs and devices, one attorney or group of attorneys may represent several different injured parties against the same defendant – in most cases, the manufacturer of the defective drug or device.
• Class action lawsuit: This is a type of legal action in which numerous injured parties (a class) are pursing damages against a single defendant. Individuals in the class of injured parties must be notified of the class action and given the opportunity to opt out and file an individual lawsuit.

To win a case and recover compensation for injuries caused by a defective medical device, you must show that:

• You suffered injuries.
• The medical device was defective.
• The defect in the device was the proximate (immediate) cause of your injuries.

For purposes of product liability, the device may have been defective in any of several different ways:

• Defective design: The design specifications under which the device was manufactured may have been faulty.
• Defective manufacturing: This applies to medical devices that were designed correctly but manufactured incorrectly. This can include a defect that occurred anywhere along the supply chain.
• Defective marketing: This defect occurs when medical devices are marketed without proper warning labels, recommendations, or instructions for use.

It is important to note that there is a time limit imposed by law on claims for injury from defective medical devices. In the State of New Jersey, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury (or from the date you became aware of the injury). If you fail to file within that timeframe, you may be forever barred from recovering compensation.

Legal Help for Medical Device Damages in New Jersey

Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari has been serving the people of New Jersey since 1929. If you or a loved one has sustained injury, suffered a worsened health condition, or died because of a defective medical device, you can contact us to evaluate your potential claim and possibly pursue compensation for applicable damages. Our firm has represented numerous clients who were injured due to defective medical devices. Contact one of our skilled New Jersey product liability lawyers at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Defective Medical Devices

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The Dangers of Defective Medical Devices
• Stryker Hip Implants
• Stryker Hip Implant Recall 2016
• Zimmer Knee Implants
• List of Medical Device Recalls – FDA
• 2017 Medical Device Recalls