If you suffered injuries because of surgical staples, you might be eligible to collect monetary damages from Ethicon. Our lawyers are reviewing claims now and can determine if you can receive compensation.
In October 2019, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a MedWatch Safety Alert to the Medical Device Recalls web page. The subject: Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. These surgical devices are part of a Class 1 recall, the designation reserved for the most severe circumstances. The FDA recall of these surgical staplers indicates that the FDA has determined there is a reasonable probability that the staplers can cause serious injuries or death. Earlier in the year, the FDA issued a similar recall for Ethicon’s Endo-Surgery Curved Intraluminal Staplers.
Both of these staplers are commonly used in a variety of surgical procedures, and the FDA has determined that there is a significant risk that the Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers form incomplete staples. The malformation of staples results in a myriad of complications for the patient.
If you had surgery, your doctor used an Ethicon surgical stapler, and you developed medical complications, call our lawyers to find out if you have a claim against Ethicon, the maker of this dangerous medical device. You might be entitled to collect monetary damages to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
FDA Indicates Severe Injuries Caused by Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers by Ethicon
In its safety alert, the FDA stated that seven severe injuries and one death had been reported to Ethicon as a result of the defective staplers. The recall of more than 100,000 of these devices is because of a faulty component that could cause misfires and malformed staples. Malformed staples create a string of problems that can require additional procedures, serious injuries, and lead to death.
Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers are used a variety of surgeries to create anastomoses, or connections, within the body (for example, blood vessels or loops in the intestines). When a staple is malformed, it can compromise the integrity of the links and closures. The result? Severe medical complications for innocent patients.
Recalled Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers are Used in Many Surgeries
Staplers such as the Echelon Flex Endopath are used frequently as part of many surgeries. Some of the most common procedures are:
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Bariatric surgery
- Colon cancer surgery
- Rectal cancer surgery
- Lung surgery
- Uterine, cervical, and vaginal surgery
- Urologic surgery
What are the Injuries Caused by Defective Surgical Staplers?
When a closure is incomplete, breaks, or leaks, the results can be deadly. Infections, internal bleeding, and damage to organs are complications that can arise after surgical complications. The defective surgical staplers recalled by the FDA have allegedly caused some of the following conditions:
- The need for a permanent colostomy
- Sepsis, blood poisoning
- Fistulas
- Lifelong digestive problems
- Lifelong nutritional deficiencies
- The need for corrective surgeries
- Infections requiring hospitalization
- The need for antibiotics
- Hospitalization
- Bleeding
What is Wrong with Recalled Ethicon Surgical Staplers?
According to reports, Ethicon’s surgical staplers are defective and have a high risk of malfunctioning during surgical procedures. The staplers allegedly:
- Fail to fire staples at all
- Misfire staples
- Result in leaks around the closure
- Fire malformed staples
- Fire the incorrect staples
Our Lawyers are Reviewing Surgical Stapler Lawsuits
Lawsuits claim that malfunctioning, defective surgical staplers caused severe injuries that resulted in additional surgeries and other complicated medical treatments. Some lawsuits claim that faulty surgical staplers caused the death of their loved one.
Did you have serious complications after a surgical procedure where staples were used? Did you need corrective surgery or suffer permanent damage to your long-term health? If so, call our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP to find out if you might qualify to file a claim against the makers of surgical staplers. We know how to find out if the stapler your doctor used was part of the recall and whether it caused your injuries.
If Surgical Staplers Caused Harm to You or Your Family, You Might Be Entitled to Compensation
When a medical device malfunctions or does not work as intended, the results can be devastating to the victims and their families. Companies have obligations to make sure their products are reasonably safe and to provide warnings about the risks associated with their use. The failure to do so can result in liability for injuries that occur.
In a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a dangerous medical device such as those filed against Ethicon for their Echelon Flex Endopath Staplers, the following compensation may be available:
- Lost wages
- Lost future wages (earning capacity)
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Punitive damages
- Funeral expenses
Contact Our Defective Medical Device Lawyersfor a Free Evaluation of Your Surgical Stapler Lawsuit
Are you looking for lawyers who know how to handle medical device claims? Do you want lawyers with experience investigating and proving the negligence of medical device manufacturers? Alonso Krangle, LLP, has the advocates you need. We work tirelessly to help our clients obtain compensation for their injuries.
Call us at 800-403-6191 to find out how we can help you if an Echelon Flex Endopath Stapler, manufactured by Ethicon, injures you.