The Impact of Medical Device Recalls on Patients’ Lives

With the advancement of modern medicine, we have seen inventions that help people live longer, healthier lives. Among these inventions are medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, surgical implants, and artificial joints. While the goal of these devices is to improve quality of life, there are times when they can malfunction or stop working, resulting in a recall. In many cases, this recall can have a profound emotional, physical, and sometimes financial impact on not only the patient but their family as well.

With years of experience handling complex medical device cases, Hollis Law Firm understands the significant impact a recall can have on your health and life. We stay informed about the latest scientific and legal developments to build strong cases for our clients. Our dedication to both law and science allows us to advocate for individuals harmed by defective devices effectively.

What Is the Emotional Impact of a Medical Device Recall?

When a medical device is recalled, you might start feeling uncertain and distrustful of the device. Patients rely on some of these devices to manage chronic, life-threatening conditions like diabetes or heart issues, and a recall might cause fear that the device will malfunction or stop working before it can be fixed or replaced.

You might start questioning how long it will take to fix the issue, if your health is at risk, or if it is even possible to remove the device safely. These feelings of anxiety and distress can have an impact on your emotional and physical well-being. However, a recent study in the Journal of Sleep Medicine found that clear communication and empathetic understanding from medical providers paired with a proactive and rapid response plan can help reduce these feelings of anxiety and distress.

The emotional pain and suffering that you might experience from your medical device recall is known as non-economic damages in a personal injury claim. If your emotional well being is impacted by a medical device recall or malfunction, it is crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you file a personal injury claim and collect the compensation you deserve. 

What Are the Physical Risks Associated With a Medical Device Recall?

While there are emotional and psychological challenges associated with a medical device recall, there are also real physical risks. Depending on the type of medical device and the condition it is assisting, there can be a wide range of physical impacts on your health. For example, an insulin pump is used to regulate insulin levels in diabetic patients. A malfunction of the insulin pump could cause a dangerous fluctuation in blood sugar levels.

Because some medical devices are used for life-threatening conditions, immediate medical intervention might be necessary. Like with any medical procedure, these additional surgeries or procedures to fix or replace the device can have additional physical risks as well.  

It is essential that you reach out to a trusted personal injury lawyer to help you navigate how these physical impacts can affect your medical device recall case.

What Options Do Patients Have After a Medical Device Recall?

When a medical device is recalled, there are two general options you have for your treatment plan. These options include:

• Medical Monitoring: Some patients chose to leave the device implanted and receive medical monitoring instead of removal.
• Removal and Replacement: You may choose to remove the device and have it replaced with an alternative.

Both options have physical, emotional, and financial risks associated with them, and you should speak with your medical provider to determine which plan is the right choice for you. It is critical that you also consult a personal injury lawyer to assist you in understanding your legal options and help you receive any compensation associated with your medical device recall claim. 

How Can Hollis Law Firm Help You Navigate a Medical Device Recall Case?

At Hollis Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming and stressful a medical device recall can be. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving defective medical devices and has the experience to guide you through the legal process. We work diligently to investigate every aspect of your case, from the scientific details of the device malfunction to the legal pathways for compensation.

Our commitment to both law and science ensures that we can analyze the technical details of your case and fight for your rights. We may be able to help you secure compensation for the emotional and physical toll the recalled device has caused. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward. Complete our contact form or call (800) 701-3672.