Medical devices are intended to improve quality of life and save lives. From pacemakers and joint replacements, patients trust medical devices to function correctly. However, when a medical device is defective or fails to perform as intended, the consequences can be devastating, leading to serious injuries or even life-threatening complications.
If a medical device has injured you or a loved one in Lexington, South Carolina, Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can help. Contact us today at 803-373-1302 for a free consultation with a Lexington medical device liability lawyer.
How Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Medical Device Liability Case
For more than two decades, our Lexington personal injury attorneys at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers have helped clients injured by medical malpractice and defective medical devices recover rightful compensation. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses due to negligence in healthcare settings. Our Lexington, South Carolina, medical malpractice lawyers offer free consultations and can handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Evaluating the merits of your case
- Assessing medical records and other evidence
- Identifying potentially liable parties, including doctors and medical device manufacturers
- Calculating the full extent of your damages for injuries and other losses
- Negotiating compensation with an insurance company
- Litigating medical malpractice and product liability cases, if necessary
Schedule a free consultation if you or a loved one suspects a defective medical device has injured you.
What Is Medical Device Liability?
Medical device liability is an area of personal injury law that holds manufacturers, designers, and distributors of medical devices accountable when their products cause harm. Defects in medical devices can occur at various stages, including:
- Design defects: Flaws in the initial design of the device that make it dangerous or ineffective.
- Manufacturing defects: Issues that arise during production from substandard materials, improper assembly, or other causes
- Failure to warn: Injuries are caused when manufacturers fail to provide adequate warnings or instructions about using a device or understanding its potential risks.
Victims of injuries by medical devices may be entitled to compensation under South Carolina product liability laws.
Common Types of Defective Medical Devices in Lexington, South Carolina
Medical devices have revolutionized healthcare, but their complexity makes them susceptible to defects. Some devices are more frequently associated with injuries and recalls due to their widespread use and potential risks. Common examples include:
- Joint replacements
- Breast implants
- Pacemakers and defibrillators
- Surgical meshes
- Hernia repair devices
- Ophthalmic devices
- Hearing implants
- Prosthetic limbs
It is important to act quickly to protect your rights if you believe that a medical device has caused you injury.
How to Prove Medical Device Liability in Lexington, South Carolina
You must prove that a defective device caused injuries to bring a successful medical device liability case. This typically involves proving:
- The device was defective: Evidence must show that the defect existed in the device’s design, manufacturing process, or warnings provided to users.
- Causation: You prove a direct link between the defective device and your injuries. This can include showing how the device failed and the harm it caused.
- Damages: You must document the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the defective device. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A skilled Lexington, SC, medical device liability lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to prove your case. This may include:
- Medical records and expert opinions linking your injuries to the device
- Maintenance logs, testing results, and design specifications
- Manufacturer recall notices or evidence of similar complaints
A comprehensive approach to gathering and presenting evidence is vital to building a strong case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in My Lexington Medical Device Liability Case?
Medical device liability cases often involve multiple parties, each potentially contributing to the harm caused. Common liable parties include:
- Manufacturers: Companies responsible for designing, producing, and testing the device. The manufacturer is often the primary party held accountable if the defect originated in the design or production.
- Distributors: Wholesalers or retailers that supply the device. Distributors may share liability if the defect occurs during storage or transport.
- Healthcare providers: A doctor, hospital, or medical facility may bear responsibility if they knowingly use a defective device or fail to follow proper usage instructions.
Determining liability can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. An experienced Lexington product liability lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties. This will allow you to pursue all potential sources of compensation for your injuries and other damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Defective Medical Device in South Carolina?
The time you have to file a personal injury claim for a defective medical device in South Carolina is three years. In many cases, injuries may not become apparent immediately, so you typically have three years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered, your injury and its connection to the device. A Lexington medical malpractice lawyer can help you prepare and file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations for your claim expires.
Injured by a Defective Medical Device? Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lexington Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If a defective medical device has caused you harm in Lexington, SC, you may be facing injuries, medical bills, and other damages. You do not have to navigate the path to pursuing potential compensation alone. At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, our Lexington medical malpractice and product liability lawyers can help you hold medical device manufacturers and providers responsible for their negligence.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a Lexington medical device liability lawyer. We will fight to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and future.
