9/15/06 – A claim for injuries as a result of a recalled Guidant defibrillator has been settled.
>>UPDATE 7/16/07: Guidant Settlement for $195 million covers thousands of lawsuits
Thousands of Guidant and Medtronic defibrillators and pacemakers have been recalled in recent years due product defects which could cause the devices to malfunction. The New York Times reported on September 15, 2006 that Guidant settled one of their defective defibrillator claims, although the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
The Guidant Corporation, a division of Boston Scientific, designs and manufactures implantable heart devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers. In June 2005, product defects led to worldwide recalls of nearly 300,000 Guidant devices, and in June 2006 an additional 50,000 were recalled.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed nationwide as the result of recalled defective heart devices. Analysts have estimated that the number of Guidant recall claims could exceed 3,000 lawsuits. The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are still reviewing new claims for individuals who had a defective Medtronic or Guidant defibrillator or pacemaker. Free consultations and claim evaluations are offered to determine if individuals may have a claim.
DANGERS OF DEFECTIVE DEFIBRILLATORS AND PACEMAKERS
Properly designed and manufactured pacemakers and defibrillators are credited with saving thousands of lives every year. These heart devices are only implanted if a patient is determined to have a high risk of needing a life-saving electronic cardiac shock. Pacemakers are designed to correct a slow heart beat and defibrillators are designed to shock the heart into normal rhythm when it is beating too fast.
Defective pacemakers and defibrillators which are recalled due to manufacturing and design defects can cause catastrophic problems for individuals who need the devices. These victims with are forced to choose between leaving the defective device in or having it surgically replaced. If the recalled defibrillator or pacemaker is left in they run the risk that the device will malfunction when it is needed most. However, many believe that surgery to replace the devices may be riskier.
Surgery to replace recalled defibrillators and pacemakers is not a minor procedure. There have been several reported deaths and other serious complications. A Canadian study reported in April 2006 indicated that nearly 6% of patients suffered “major complications” from replacement of cardiac electrical devices.
FREE CLAIM EVALUATION WITH MEDTRONIC AND GUIDANT RECALL LAWYERS
If you, a friend or family member have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator which was manufactured by Guidant or Medtronic, request an immediate consultation with a member of our legal team. A free claim evaluation will help you determine if your device has been recalled and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
The product liability lawyers of Saiontz and Kirk have experience handling legal claims for defective product recalls and can protect your rights.
