Improper Use of Defibrillators

Defibrillators are life-saving devices used to restore normal heart rhythms during emergencies such as cardiac arrest. When used correctly, they can make the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, medical professionals sometimes fail to use defibrillators properly, causing severe harm to patients. In many instances, the improper use of defibrillators constitutes medical malpractice, and those harmed by such negligence may be entitled to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of the improper use of a defibrillator, it is advisable to talk to an attorney about what damages you may be able to pursue. The dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at Arfaa Law Group understand what it takes to prevail in claims against careless medical providers, and if you hire us, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome.

Defibrillators are designed to deliver controlled electric shocks to the heart to correct arrhythmias or restore a normal heartbeat during cardiac emergencies. There are different types of defibrillators, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and manual defibrillators, each requiring proper training and careful operation. Misuse of these devices can occur in various ways, such as administering shocks when not medically necessary, failing to use the device promptly, setting the wrong voltage, or using the defibrillator on the wrong patient.

Improper use of defibrillators can have devastating consequences. Patients may suffer from unnecessary cardiac trauma, burns, neurological injuries, or even death. Delays in administering a defibrillator shock during cardiac arrest can result in irreversible brain damage or a fatal outcome. In other cases, a lack of adequate training or improper device maintenance can lead to equipment failure during critical moments.

People harmed by the improper use of defibrillators have the right to seek compensation via a medical malpractice lawsuit. To succeed in such a claim, a plaintiff typically must establish that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused their injuries. Under Maryland law, this requires proving four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

First, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the healthcare provider owed them a duty of care. A doctor-patient relationship creates this duty, which requires the provider to act according to the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent professional in similar circumstances.

Second, the plaintiff must show that the healthcare provider breached this duty by deviating from the accepted standard of care. In the context of defibrillator use, this may include failing to use the device when indicated, applying it incorrectly, selecting the wrong settings, or improperly interpreting the patient’s condition. Failure to properly train staff or maintain the defibrillator may also constitute a breach.

The third element is causation, which involves proving that the provider’s negligence directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. For instance, if a patient suffered severe burns or permanent heart damage because the defibrillator was used improperly, the plaintiff must establish that the injuries would not have occurred if the provider had adhered to the standard of care. Expert testimony is often critical in clarifying the connection between the provider’s actions and the resulting harm. Last, the plaintiff must prove they suffered actual harm because of the defendant’s breach.

A plaintiff who proves the defendant’s fault may be awarded compensation for both their economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may cover medical expenses for additional treatments, hospital stays, or rehabilitation required due to the improper use of the defibrillator. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In some cases, families may also pursue wrongful death claims if the improper use of a defibrillator led to a loved one’s death.

If you or a loved one suffered harm because of the improper use of a defibrillator, you may have grounds for pursuing a medical malpractice claim, and it is prudent to talk to an attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, our skillful Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice recover the compensation they need to move forward, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we represent clients throughout Maryland in cases involving improper use of defibrillators and other forms of medical negligence. Contact us today at (410) 889-1850 or through our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you seek accountability and recovery.