Medtronic settlement for recalled defibrillator lawsuits
A statement released late yesterday confirms that 2,682 Medtronic defibrillator lawsuits will settle for $114.1 million. The Medtronic settlement involves cases filed by individuals as a result of a 2005 defibrillator recall. The medical device maker continues to face thousands of other potential lawsuits as a result of a new Medtronic recall issued in October 2007 for defibrillator leads which were used to connect the medical devices to the hearts of over 235,000 people.
The Medtronic settlement will provide financial compensation to individuals who were impacted by defects in some models of the Marquis implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The defibrillator recall was issued in February 2005 as a result of battery problems which could cause the device to fail. Over 10,000 people had to have their defibrillator surgically removed as a result of the recall.
According to the Medtronic defibrillator lawsuits, the company was aware of the battery problems well before they issued the recall. As a result of their desire to maximize profits and sell their stock of defibrillators, they allowed defective devices to be implanted in patients and failed to warn that safer defibrillators were available.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or ICDs, are small devices about the size of a stopwatch which are implanted near the shoulder and connected to the patient’s heart by a small electrical wire which runs through the vein. The device is designed to monitor the heart’s rhythm and deliver a life-saving shock if a rapid beat is detected. They are often implanted when an individual is at risk for sudden cardiac death.
Additional Medtronic lawsuits are being pursued as a result of an October 15, 2007 recall involving defects in the leads, or small wires, which carry the electrical charge to the heart. Medtonic Sprint Fidelis models of defibrillator leads are prone to fractures, which could cause the device to fail or result in unnecessary shocks. According to preliminary estimates released by Medtronic, the defibrillator leads have a failure rate of around 2.3% at 30 months, which means that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 will experience problems with their defibrillator.
Unfortunately, the process of replacing the defibrillator lead or attempting to insert a new wire is much more complex and dangerous than replacing the actual defibrillator. Experts are not recommending that the defibrillator leads be replaced unless there is evidence of a fracture. However, individuals who have one of the defective Sprint Fidelis leads will likely still be entitled to financial compensation from Medtronic, even if they never experience problems with their lead.
MEDTRONIC RECALL LAWSUITS
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals nationwide who are pursuing Medtronic lawsuits as a result of defective defibrillators and leads. New cases are being reviewed as a result of the defibrillator lead recall for any individuals who have one of the defective wires implanted with their defibrillator. If you, a friend or family member have received a defibrillator since 2004, it is possible the Sprint Fidelis lead was used. To find out if financial compensation may be available, request a free claim evaluation.
19 Comments • Add Your Comments
Eric says:
In Feb. of 2007, I had a Medtronic I.C.D. – Pacemaker with the matching Serial Numbers to the Faulty Spring Leads,, I want it Replaced!!! My Thoracic Surgeon and Electrophysiologist say it’s too Dangerous to do so ,,,,,,What can I do and how do i get Compensated for this mess by medtronic
Posted on November 10, 2008 at 4:21 am
Robert says:
Victim of Multiple Fraudelenet Concealed Defective Medtronic Surgical procedures, resulting in complex and ongoing damages/complications.
Multiple Fraudelent lead and Battery systems removal, leaving multiple fractured,failed,defective and faulty parts,leads and devices.
Medtronic Physcian fraud/falsifications of leads/shocks reports, concealment of lead and device failures as inpatient, in ER rooms and electronic tampering of medtronic heart devices,
Medtronic Fraud/Defective Products Concealment/alteration
Posted on October 10, 2009 at 7:22 am
Brenda says:
My husband had a medtronic defibrillator that shocked him twice in 2005 and had to have the wires replaced. BAD surgery! Longer recovery time and more painful he says. Anyway, we filed one of the lawsuits but have not received any compensation. Our attorney does not keep us informed. We had to pay the hospital bill because we were sued!
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 6:05 pm
TOM says:
I;M JUST SO GLAD THAT THE SUITE DID COME OUT IN OUR FAVOR…BUT NOT TOO HAPPY TO FIND OUT , ANY AWARDS I WIN, I;VE GOT TO REINBURSE ANY MONIES PD. OUT BY 3RD. PARTY…INS. CO./MEDICARE/MEDICIAD ..THIS A CASE YOU WIN YOU LOOSE…LIKE SHOOTIN CRAPES [DICE] OH WELL LIFES A BITCH THAN YOU DIE…BAD LEADS OR NOT…
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Archie says:
I feel like Tom does,when he says mediciad has to be paid out of any judgement,leaving the people who is suffering and dying without recourse.In a way i hope this settlement offer does not forth,because if it does the only winners will be metronic and american greedy lawyers.I was done wrong from the begining,and ill die with it,while some lawyer builds a million dollar home.Thanks Metronic for the kick in the ass,maybe it will come back to you in the worst way. A.J..
Posted on October 19, 2010 at 8:02 am
MINDY says:
MY DAD HAD THIS, AND HE SUFFERED ALOT. WE SUFFERED WATCHING HIM HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS, MEDICARE DIDN’T SUFFER THE PHYSICAL PAIN HE WENT THROUGH AND I THINK THE PATIENT DESERVES THIS COMPENSATION, NOT LAWYERS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES!
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Drew says:
my Dad recently had passed away and had one of those put in. Defective defibrillator. I miss him he had just turned 50
Posted on December 27, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Karen says:
My father died June 13, 2009 at the age of 74. The Medtronic device had beem implanted in him in 2005. The lead broke and we watch him continually receive jolts from the device when he was just sitting calmly. The doctor did not remove the device. What was meant to save his life caused his life. He died of heart failure.
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 10:34 pm
SHAN says:
We need to be grateful in this situation. I know alot of ppl want agree with me in this, but im going to say it anyway. GOD IS GOOD and he is in full controll. Why complain and murmor over what you can’t change and be thankful that GOD favored you to get something. Truthfully these ppl dont owe us anything, but we are blessed to be getting something. Truthfully we need to point the fingers at our ownselves. WHY??? If we would have taken care of our bodies as GOD and the DOctor told us to, we probly wouldn’t have the issues with our heart. Some cases ppl were born with heart conditions, but the one like you and I we could have done better. We take our meds as directed, leave the pork alone, back off the salt, and eat less sweets, starches, breads, etc….God know i cant complain cause i fall in these categories, but i went to JESUS, CONFESSED that i have SIN, i didn’t take care of the temple he gave me, and REPENT, then ask him to help you eat right, and live a more healthier life!!!!! The truth of the matter is we must take accountability of our own actions, we messed up, but GOD forgives you, and he can heal every sickness, because HE IS THE GOD THAT HEALETH THEE!!!!!! BE THANKFUL FOR THE LEAST THANG, AND HE CAN BLESS YOU WITH THE BEST THANG FOR YOU!!!!
Posted on January 31, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Will says:
I am 62 and I have went through the shocks and pain of a fractured Metronic’c lead. Like riding a bolt of lighting through hell. Because of this I can no longer work and care for my family. Now I will die broke and the insurance companies will make a hugh profit. Thank YOU American politcos and Mr. Obama. Keep the america system on line. Money is more valuable than human life.
Posted on February 2, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Bob says:
I really feel sorry for all those who have suffered thru what I know are very difficult times, you see I was shocked 6 times by a fractured Medtronic lead. It is no fun. However you can only say that their is but one person who will take care of you and that is yourself. I have been thru the shocks, the replacement operation, a blood clot caused by the surgery, 5 days in the hospital and taking cumin for 8 months. I can attest to the hardships. But we have got to take care of our selves. We cannot depend on others or the government. I know the amount of money I will be receiving is not much, however if medtronic really wanted to play hard ball they could have just sat back and did nothing. MAYBE, eventually the Congress would have passed or will pass HR1346 but there is no guarantee. Just keep the faith above and remember, he can only watch out for those who watch out for themselves. GOOD LUCK
Posted on March 29, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Willie says:
Well now we know where the power lies. We should have known from experience that we couldn’t win against a company as powerful as Metronic or trust any lawyers. The only honest lawyer is a …………! And our politicans will always go with the money. But we knew this when we voted them in office. We won’t recieve enough for a cheap casket from this settlement but your lawyer will have a new car and great family vacations. HR1346 was meant to buy time for Metronic to deal with the pending lawsuits and it worked. It will never pass. All americans should be born bent over with a lifetime supply of vaseline. Remeber, most politicans are lawyers. OOps. Anyway, good luck, keep faith in your God and love your family and friends. If you have a Metronic lead in your chest they are going to be your pallbearers some day, maybe they will get a sorrow card from your lawyers that cost a dollar.
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Lisa says:
My mother had the medtronics implanted in 2005 and in March 2009 she was shocked repeatedly 17 times to be exact, the doctors were shocked that she survived, she lived in misery until she died April 14 2011, she would be alive today if she was not shocked.
Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Donnie says:
I had the bad leads and the trouble tone never sounded as it was supposed to so I got 45+ unneeded shocks during my 50 mile trip to the hospital to get the dam thing turned off. I had a new unit installed but they left the old wires in my heart so I have two sets now. I carry a magnet on my side at all times so if it ever malfunctions again I can stop it myself, I never get more than 4 feet away from my magnet. I have a lawyer and am in the class action suit but have not herd anything since 2008.
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Gayle says:
My Dads defibulator lead fractored 2months after he had his generator replaced .He received 57 shocks within 40minute drive in an ambulance to Hospital that was 2 years ago.We just got an offer of 3k for his mental injury .He still has as he calls it nightmares.
Posted on June 8, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Carol says:
I had one of the recalled leads placed in 2006. The lead fractured and it started shocking in 2012. I had to have the battery replaced and the lead capped and replaced with a new one. I am still having problems. Just got out of the hospital with my heart rate to high and CHF. I have found that I have anxiety attacks and fear that the new ICD will shock me for no reason because I felt the risk for removing the recalled lead is far greater then just disconnecting.
Posted on September 11, 2013 at 11:27 am
daniel says:
My sister just passed away last week they say she was in very bad shape i saw and was talking to my sister 3 hours before she died the first time in front of me and my mom with paramedics there she wasnt that sick the defibrillator didnt work she had no pulse it didnt work doctors ask us did she fall or something said no y they said leads fell off or broke i was like what. So u tell me if u slip and fall your going to die.called lawyers they passed on my sisters case cuz we didn’t have the money for an odtopupsy i know thats spelt wrong anyway had funeral home director remove defibrillator for me for future tests can u stear me in right direction for testing of it or whatevet i need to do to get justice for my sisters unnecessary death at the age of 55 had defibrillator put in12 years ago was supposed to b replaced at ten years but just put batterie in instead started going down hill ever since so idk it can b few different flaws or none but highly douth the second option. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my problem. Sincerely one crushed little brother.
Posted on April 15, 2016 at 4:51 am
Kim says:
I don’t know about any one else, but we (my husband) was NEVER EVEN notified of the lead recall.
He has had 3 unnecessary ICD replacements and now is in ICU because of the lead fracture. We have asked many times at check ups and at replacements if there are or were any signs of lead problems, no one of three different Medtronic implant device employees or Doctors ever mentioned the recall. Shame Shame Shame. A souse should never have to see a loved one suffer and be inappropriately shocked liked this. I would like to know if there is anything that can be done at this time? It looks like all cases have been settled, I just want to know why we were never notified. Thank you.
Posted on April 22, 2016 at 7:49 am
Roger says:
All I have are the leads no Pace maker an all I’ve had is problems. Alot of pian and lots of sleepless nights
Posted on September 15, 2019 at 8:27 am