The idea of a medical instrument causing additional harm to the body when it is designed to reduce harm is terrifying for all patients. Unfortunately, many patients find themselves in this predicament due to a large number of defective medical devices. Stericycle Expert Solutions reports that there was 1,267 medical device recalls in 2018, resulting in nearly 441 million individual devices being taken off of the market. In some cases, it takes years for the defects in medical devices to become known to the general public.
How can patients ensure that a medical device is safe to use?
Even if a medical device is effective at the beginning of its use, it can become ineffective through possible wear and tear. One medical device where this scenario is possible is a hip implant. It is common for patients with hip implants to undergo corrective surgery because the metal pieces from the implants began to poison the surrounding tissue or the implants became defective and needed to be replaced.
Before having medical devices installed, patients should ask their healthcare providers as much information as they can in reference to the device. Patients can also check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website and search for the latest information on any recalled medical devices.
Understand how the medical device works
Understanding how a medical device is supposed to work will help patients notice signs of wear and tear. Patients should familiarize themselves with the safety instructions of the medical device, as well as the warning signs of potential defects. In the case that there are signs of defects in a medical device, patients should collaborate with healthcare providers and create a safety plan. The safety plan should include action steps like what alternative devices to use and what to do in the event that the current medical device is defective.
Keep emergency numbers available and up to date
When medical devices become defective, they can influence patients to experience fatal consequences like heart attacks, strokes, low heart rates, and difficulty breathing. In case these situations happen, patients and family members should have particular numbers around to call. General numbers like numbers to the nearest hospital or emergency room should be available. Patients should also have the number to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to report the defective medical device, as well as the number to the medical manufacturer.
Educate your family members and caregivers on the medical device
It is important that patients, family members, and caregivers are familiar with how the medical device should be used. In the case that patients become unresponsive from injuries caused by the medical device, family members and caregivers can step in and answer any medical questions on the patient’s behalf. Family members and caregivers can also search for any new warning signs of defective medical devices that patients may overlook. If possible, patients should maintain all communication with family members, caregivers, and physicians in an effort to keep everyone on the same page.
Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC Today
A catastrophic injury will not only result in steep medical bills, but often severely affects your ability to earn money in the future. At Kwartler Manus, LLC, we are compassionate to your needs as an injury victim. You should not be burdened with unreasonable costs as the result of someone else’s carelessness. Let us worry about recovering the funds you need, so you can focus on healing and recovery. We are personally invested in each of our client’s cases and are ready to fight aggressively against injustice to secure your rightful compensation. Call our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at (267) 457-5570, or fill out our contact form to discuss your case today.