When we use pharmaceutical products, including over-the-counter medication, we expect that it will help us, not cause additional injuries. Unfortunately, consumers discover more products that may lead to illnesses and injuries. For example, new research has shown that there may be a link between pregnant mothers using Tylenol (acetaminophen) and their children developing autism.
Other medical devices like hip implants, knee implants, and pacemakers may have been defectively designed or manufactured. If a defective medical product has injured you, you may have a claim to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. When a dangerous or defective medical device has injured many victims, forming a class action lawsuit can be the most strategic way to obtain compensation.
Class Action Lawsuits for Defective Medical Devices
Medical device manufacturers and drug manufacturers produce their products on a wide scale. In many cases, they send representatives to try to convince hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacy stores, and other outlets to use their products. as a result, hundreds of thousands or even millions of innocent victims can become injured by defective medical devices or pharmaceutical products. When a product injures a large group of people, they may benefit from joining their claims in a class action lawsuit.
Am I Eligible to Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
You can become eligible to join a class action lawsuit if you have a substantially similar legal claim as the other plaintiffs who have been injured. For example, if you have suffered damage to your knee because of a specific, defective knee replacement product, you could join a class action lawsuit with others who that specific product has entered. Pursuing a product liability lawsuit against a major manufacturer or distributor can be complex and expensive. Individual plaintiffs and attorneys may need more resources to fight the responsible party independently. Pursuing a class action lawsuit allows consumers who may not have the resources to recover compensation alone to combine their efforts.
Examples of Class Action Lawsuits Involving Defective Medical Devices
Thousands of medical devices come on the market every year. Many of these devices are safe and helpful, but some can cause devastating injuries. The Food and Drug Administration does have an approval process, but it only sometimes results in dangerous products being banned from the marketplace. Many examples of medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs have become available on the market with more testing to verify that they are safe for consumers.
Even after some consumers report adverse effects, it can take months or even years for the FDA to issue a recall, putting potential victims on notice of the dangers associated with the product. Although many medical devices have become more sophisticated, the complex nature of these products could elevate the risk of errors and product defects. However, any type of medical device can cause injuries to consumers. Some of the most common examples of medical devices that have caused widespread damage because they are poorly manufactured or dangerously designed include the following:
- Vaginal mesh implants
- Hip implants and other joint replacement products
- Pacemakers
- Heart valves
- Infusion pumps and other devices used to deliver medication
- X-ray machines
- Ultrasound machines
- Biopsy equipment
- Tylenol used during pregnancy
Should I Talk to an Attorney?
Sometimes it can be hard to know whether a defective medical device caused you additional medical complications or injuries. If you suspect that a medical device or pharmaceutical drug has significantly worse major conditions, it is worth investigating. Speaking to an experienced product liability attorney can help you understand whether there have been other similar legal claims. If you have a valid claim and work with an attorney, your attorney can immediately begin investigating and gathering evidence to bolster your claim. These cases are complex, and the more time your attorney has to gather evidence, the better for your claim.
Do You Have Questions About Your Alabama Product Liability Case? We Can Help
Have you been seriously injured by a medical device, product, or drug? If so, it is important that you discuss your case with an attorney. You may have a valid claim for compensation that could help you pay for your medical expenses, lost income, medical equipment, pain, and suffering. additionally, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit against the at-fault party who caused your injuries. The skilled personal injury attorneys that Heninger Garrison Davis are here to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. Contact our Alabama product liability attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
