Defective Defibrillator Attorneys

A defibrillator is a device that applies a brief electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat disrupted by an arrhythmia, a form of rapid heart beat disturbance. In May 2005, it became known that Guidant Corporation was manufacturing and selling defective cardiac defibrillators. The following month, Guidant recalled nearly 50,000 of them. Approximately 38,000 defibrillators had been implanted in the United States, but the defective defibrillator devices had been sold worldwide.

Class I and Class II recalls were put in place for the various models that were identified as defective. The FDA classifies Class I recalls as being those for malfunctioning devices with a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death. There is no test that predicts whether the device will fail and no sign of impending failure. For Class II recall devices, the probability of serious health consequences is more remote, but the defective product may cause medically reversible or temporary adverse health consequences.

As of June 2005, about 20 defective models had been identified, but additional units have been added to the list. You should check with your doctor whether you have a faulty model. Guidant also has an online tool where you can check if your model has been added to the recall list.

Numerous lawsuits have been launched against Guidant. Some allege that Guidant failed to warn their customers of potential problems. Some further allege that Guidant continued making and selling the defective products after knowing about the possible defects.

At one point, people were attempting to sue their doctors for recommending and implanting the defective devices. It was determined, however, that the doctors were just as unaware as their patients. Doctors have been advised not to implant any more of the defibrillators in question.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Guidant defibrillator you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Consult with a qualified defective Guidant defibrillator lawyer.

Contact Personal Injury dot com today to find an experienced Defective Defibrillator lawyer near you.