Technological advances have expanded the practice of medicine, allowing physicians to treat and prevent a variety of illnesses and conditions with medical devices. While such devices may alleviate pain or avert worsening symptoms, when a doctor uses defective equipment or materials it can injure patients, leaving them with a diminished quality of life and other damages. If you or a loved one suffered losses because of a defective medical product or device, you can consult legal counsel regarding your potential claims. The seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group are committed to aiding people harmed by incompetent care in the pursuit of compensation, and we will zealously advocate on your behalf. We can represent people harmed by faulty medical devices and products throughout Maryland, and are available to help you seek any damages you may be able to recover.
Examples of Harm Caused by Defective Medical Products and DevicesPhysicians use medical devices to treat a variety of ailments and chronic conditions. For example, cardiologists implant pacemakers to regulate irregular heartbeats, stents and heart valves to maintain blood flow through the heart, and filters to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. If any of these devices function improperly, the patient may face grave danger, including cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, and death. Orthopedic surgeons also implant medical devices and products, such as when performing an artificial hip or knee replacement. In some instances, artificial joints fail or are found to contain toxic materials, which can require revision surgery and may cause pain, worsening symptoms, and additional illness. Additionally, surgical mesh used to treat hernias, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse may erode or perforate organs, causing serious complications.
Liability for Harm Caused by Defective Medical Products and DevicesWhen a defective medical product or device harms a patient, the patient may be able to pursue a medical malpractice case against the health care provider responsible for implanting or using the device or product. In Baltimore, a Maryland health care provider may be liable for malpractice if he or she departs from the applicable standard of care, which is care that a reasonable practitioner in the same specialty would use under similar circumstances, and a patient suffers harm as a result of the departure.
In other words, a patient alleging medical malpractice due to harm caused by a defective device must show that the defendant provider had a duty to comply with the standard of care, but the defendant breached the duty by using a product or device he or she knew or should have known was likely to be defective, or by installing a device in an improper manner ultimately rendering it defective. The patient must also show that a competent provider would not have engaged in similar behavior, which generally requires expert testimony as to the standard of care and the manner in which the defendant provider’s treatment constituted a breach of the standard. In addition to a medical malpractice claim, a patient harmed by a defective product or device may be able to pursue claims against the manufacturer of the defective part. A dedicated medical malpractice lawyer can help you identify all potentially responsible parties.
Patients who prove liability in a medical malpractice case may be awarded damages for medical expenses for the harm caused by the defective device or product, and if they could not work due to their injuries, damages for lost wages. They may also be awarded compensation for the mental anguish, pain, and suffering caused by their injuries.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Baltimore ResidentsMedical devices and products are a critical component of health care, but when they are defective, they not only fail to improve patient health, but they also can cause significant harm. If you were hurt by a faulty medical device or product, it is advisable to speak with an attorney regarding what damages you may be owed. At Arfaa Law Group, we possess the skills and knowledge needed to pursue damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf. We are available to assist people harmed by defective medical devices in lawsuits in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can reach us via our form online or at 410-889-1850 to set up a free and confidential consultation.