The FDA has issued a Class 1 recall for defective surgical staplers produced by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. After an extensive investigation, Ethicon identified the malfunctions and was forced to pull products. Over 92,000 surgical staples were identified to potentially malfunction and cause serious injury or even death. Both the Endo-Surgery Curved Intraluminal Stapler with Adjustable Height Staples as well as the Endo-Surgery Endoscopic Curved Intraluminal Stapler with Adjustable Height Staples were confirmed as defective for insufficient firing. These products are meant to create connections and close gaps between structures during gastrointestinal surgery, and staple line failure is an extremely dangerous defect resulting from failure to properly cut the washer. Patients have felt the substantial adverse effects of these defective products as Ethicon has released information regarding two separate instances during which patients suffered serious injuries as a result of a stapler misfiring during surgery. Both patients required additional resection of their middle and lower rectums, respectively. Additional penalties or risks potentially associated with these malfunctioning devices include supplementary surgery, infection, lifelong digestive issues including a permanent ostomy bag, bleeding, sepsis, and death. The men and women who suffer from even one of these complications must endure a lifetime of torturous physical and mental issues. Determining liability in these cases is rather straightforward as the device’s manufacturer is primarily responsible. Facing off against massive and powerful medical devices manufacturers such as Ethicon requires the strategy and proficiency of a legal team you can trust.
How Our Experienced & Compassionate Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a defective surgical stapler, rest assured we at Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. are prepared to fight for you. Our success-driven and tenacious attorneys are currently accepting cases on behalf of victims of Ethicon’s dangerous products. We can provide the relentless advocacy and tireless representation you deserve in your time of need. Our legal team intends to ensure justice is served. Don’t hesitate to schedule an initial case evaluation with a member of our firm. Call (419) 719-5195 today.