Common Injuries from Defective Medical Devices

Hidden Dangers in Medical Devices

Every year, thousands of California residents trust medical devices to improve their quality of life. Whether you rely on a pacemaker, hip implant, insulin pump, or surgical mesh, you count on these products to work safely. When a device is defective, the consequences can be life-changing—or even life-threatening. Navigating product liability issues is overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with health complications.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm from a defective medical device, it’s important to know your rights and options under California law. Let’s review the most common injuries tied to medical device failures and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

How Devices Go Wrong

Medical devices can malfunction in many ways. Some are designed improperly from the start, while others develop problems during manufacturing or after years of use. Understanding where things go wrong is key to building a claim for dangerous drugs or defective products.

• Faulty design that causes device failure
• Manufacturing errors leading to contamination
• Inadequate warnings or instructions for users
• Materials that break down or corrode in the body
• Software glitches in electronic devices

Most Common Injuries

Patients harmed by defective medical devices may experience a wide range of injuries, from minor complications to permanent disabilities. Injuries often depend on the type of device involved.

• Infections at the implant site
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Blood clots or embolisms
• Device migration or movement inside the body
• Allergic reactions to device materials
• Nerve damage or paralysis
• Fractures or bone loss near implants
• Device failure leading to life-threatening emergencies

California’s Product Liability Laws

California law holds manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes even hospitals responsible for dangerous products. Under strict liability, you may not need to prove negligence—just that the device was defective and caused your injury. This standard applies to consumer products as well as medical devices.

Several federal agencies, including the FDA, regulate device safety. However, state law allows injured patients to pursue claims in California courts even if a device was FDA-approved.

Recent Recalls and High-Risk Devices

Not all medical devices are equally risky. The FDA regularly recalls products that show signs of harm. In California, devices most commonly linked to recalls or lawsuits include:

• Metal-on-metal hip replacements
• Transvaginal mesh and hernia mesh
• Defibrillators and pacemakers
• Insulin pumps and infusion devices
• IVC blood clot filters
• Breast implants

Check FDA recall databases or speak to a product liability attorney if you’re unsure whether your device is affected.

Why Injuries Go Unnoticed

Some device failures are obvious, but others can take months or years to surface. Symptoms are sometimes mistaken for unrelated health problems, which can delay diagnosis.

• Chronic pain at the implant site
• Unexplained infections
• Swelling or fluid buildup
• Sudden onset of symptoms after years of use

If you suspect your injury is tied to a device, don’t wait to seek medical attention and legal advice.

Steps to Protect Yourself

If you’ve suffered harm from a medical device, California law gives you options. Here’s what you can do:

• Save all medical records and device packaging
• Photograph visible injuries or surgical scars
• Consult your doctor about device removal or further testing
• Report the incident to the FDA’s MedWatch program
• Speak with a lawyer before contacting device manufacturers

Act quickly—California’s time limits for filing claims can be as short as two years.

What Damages Can You Claim?

A successful product liability claim in California may provide compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income or earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Costs of device replacement or revision surgery
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

The amount depends on your injuries and how they affect your daily life. For more on damages, see Understanding Compensation in Consumer Product Lawsuits.

How Attain Law Supports You

Fighting device manufacturers can be daunting. At Attain Law, our team is experienced in defective medical device cases and dangerous drug claims. We help you gather evidence, work with medical experts, and handle negotiations so you can focus on healing.

What Makes a Strong Case

Not every complication is the result of a defect. To build a strong California claim, you’ll need to show:

• The device was defective in design, manufacturing, or labeling
• You used it as intended
• The defect directly caused your injury
• You suffered measurable damages

If you’re unsure, proving manufacturer liability often requires expert review and medical analysis.

Device-Related Deaths

Sadly, some device failures are fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one, California’s wrongful death laws may allow you to seek justice and compensation. These claims are complex and time-sensitive.

Know Your Legal Options

Whether your injury is from a recalled hip implant or a malfunctioning insulin pump, you have rights under California law. Explore your options with articles like How to File a Defective Medical Device Lawsuit and Common Side Effects Leading to Drug Liability Claims.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting justice. Contact Attain Law for a free consultation or call (888) 970-8627. We’re here to support you at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions about Injuries from Defective Medical Devices

What injuries are most common with defective medical devices in California? Common injuries include infections, internal bleeding, device migration, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and organ failure. The risk depends on the type of device and how it failed.

Can I sue for a defective medical device if it was FDA-approved? Yes. Under California law, FDA approval does not prevent you from filing a product liability claim if the device was defective and caused your injury.

What should I do if I suspect a device caused my injury? Seek medical care, save all related records and device packaging, report the problem to the FDA, and consult a California product liability lawyer before speaking to the manufacturer.

How long do I have to file a claim in California? Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. Some exceptions may apply, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Who is responsible for injuries from defective medical devices? Manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes healthcare providers may be liable under California’s product liability laws if their actions or products caused your injury.