Pain Pump Makers Accused of Negligence in Personal Injury Lawsuits
By Jim Greene
Published on January 05, 2010
Numerous personal injury lawsuits have been filed across the country against the makers of pain medication pumps, alleging the devices caused irreversible damage to shoulder cartilage. Plaintiffs say the steady stream of pain killers pumps deliver to the site of surgery during recovery erodes cartilage tissue.
The companies named as defendants are a mix of medical device manufacturers. Among them, I-Flow, Inc., of Lake Forest, Calif., produces only drug delivery systems. At the other extreme is giant Moog, Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y., which provides equipment to nearly a dozen industries; its varied line of medical products includes medication pumps and feeding tube systems.
Several Orthopedics Companies Among Defendants
At least six defendants have orthopedics in common. Orthofix, Inc., of London, supplies orthopedic and spinal implants, as well as post-surgical therapeutic muscle stimulation devices. DJO, Inc., of Vista, Calif., produces orthopedic devices, surgical reconstructive implants products, and non-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation and physical therapy devices.
Stryker Corp., of Portage, Mich., specializes in orthopedic medical devices and equipment. Breg, Inc., Vista, Calif., primarily supplies orthopedic braces. Sgarlato R.P., Inc., of San Jose, Calif., produces podiatric implants. Linvatec Corp., Largo, Fla., specializes in endoscopic and surgical instruments for minimally invasive and orthopedic surgery.
Plaintiffs Say Pain Pumps Improperly Applied
Plaintiffs say makers of the pumps and the anesthetics they administer were negligent in marketing them for use after shoulder surgery. The implanted devices were developed for use after abdominal surgery; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not approve them for use on shoulders. After receiving 35 complaints of shoulder damage, some requiring joint replacement, the agency ordered pump and anesthetic makers to issue warnings regarding the risk of using the devices on shoulders.
If you or someone you know suffered cartilage damage after using a pain pump, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. You may have an excellent case for receiving the financial compensation you deserve to deal with the aftermath of this misapplication of powerful medical technology.
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