Four Patient Deaths Associated with Endotracheal Tubes
July 25, 2019
Teleflex Incorporated issued a worldwide recall on several of its endotracheal tubes after the company received reports of four deaths and serious injuries associated with the products. The Class 1 recall, which involves products that cause serious adverse health consequences or death, affected certain lots of Hudson RCI Sheridan Endotracheal Tubes, which were used to help with airway management. If you have been injured by a medical device, including a recalled endotracheal tube, a skilled medical malpractice lawyer will explain your legal options and recommend the best course of action.
Teleflex Incorporated voluntarily recalled the tubes after receiving complaints that a specific lot of the 15 mm Sheridan connector became disconnected from the endotracheal tube (ETT). Teleflex urged any customers who still have the product to return it or discontinue using it.
Important Information About Product Recalls
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) becomes aware of a medical device that presents a serious safety issue or compromises patients’ health, they will issue a recall. In some cases, the FDA learns about defective devices by conducting their own investigations. Other times, device manufacturers will come forward on their own. If the defect is minor and will not cause serious injuries to patients, the FDA may only remove the device from the market at the wholesale level. If the defect is severe, they will remove the device from stores, hospitals, and even patients’ homes. In cases where a recalled device is already implanted in a patient’s body, the device may need to be surgically removed.
Steps to Take If Your Medical Device is Recalled
Because of the potential health risks involved with a medical device that has been recalled, it is important that you are proactive about ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you are compensated for your injury. You are urged to contact the following professionals as soon as possible:
- Your healthcare professional: You doctor will be able to determine what your options are if your device has been recalled. If necessary, you may need to have the device surgically removed.
- Your health insurance company: You will need to find out what costs associated with the recall are covered, and whether there are any out-of-pocket costs that you will be responsible for paying.
- A medical malpractice lawyer: An experienced lawyer will determine whether the manufacturer was responsible for the defect, in which case, you may want to consider filing a products liability This would involve the manufacturer, your healthcare provider, a surgeon, and the FDA.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Defective Products
If your health has been compromised in any way by a defective product, it is in your best interest to contact the experienced and dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our experienced and dedicated legal team has a proven track record of securing sizeable financial settlements for clients who have been injured by defective medical devices. We will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
