Guidant Case Reveals Problems with Defective Device Investigations

 Posted on April 19, 2014 in Defective Medical Devices

Finding out that you or a loved one has suffered injuries or requires additional procedures to correct problems from a defective medical device is frustrating. There are certain steps you need to take to protect yourself and to have the best chance of getting the company to recall or fix defective devices.

The Corporate Whistleblower Center believes that defective medical devices are a problem more pervasive than many people realize. Recent reports from the Justice Department show that heart defibrillators made by Guidant post a serious risk to those using them. The company manufactured Prizm 2 and Renewal 1 and 2 devices that led to a problem known as arcing. The device will detect an irregular heartbeat and administer a shock, but then the electrical pulse will arc back to the device, too. When this happens, the device actually short circuits and becomes ineffective, leaving the user at high risk.

Recent government investigations reveal that some of these companies were aware of the defects in their products long before any of those details were made public. In this case, Guidant appeared to continue selling those same products even though some changes were made to the original model.

Whistleblowers with inside information on defective products are encouraged to share their details with someone, but even with their best efforts, it can be years before action is taken. Some whistleblowers, such as employees at the plant making the device, will go to the government first. This can lead to years of lag time before a product is recalled.

If you are a victim of a defective medical device, the most important thing you can do is hire an attorney to represent your interests. An attorney can help you move a defective device case forward so that future individuals are protected from harm. Contact an Illinois defective device attorney today.