Californian With Recalled Heart Lead Files Class Action Lawsuit to Hold
Medtronic Responsible for Cost of Medical Care
SAN FRANCISCO (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) December 31, 2007 --
Class counsel announced that Rashid Hunter of Fremont, California, filed
a class lawsuit against Medtronic Inc., on behalf of all Californians
implanted with Sprint Fidelis leads, the wiring that connects a
defibrillator to the heart. Due to reports of adverse events and at
least five patient deaths linked to breaking defibrillator leads sold
under the brand name Sprint Fidelis, Medtronic issued a recall of the
product on October 15, 2007. Mr. Hunter seeks an order from the Court
holding Medtronic responsible for all diagnostic and medical charges,
and any corrective surgical expenses caused by Medtronic’s
faulty device.
“I live in constant fear, wondering if my lead
will malfunction and kill or cause me severe pain as it has done to
others,” stated Mr. Hunter. “My
family also lives in fear that the device will fail and I won’t
be able to get help in time to save my life. It would be a great relief
to me and my family if Medtronic was required to fund a program to
monitor the health of every patient with the recalled leads.”
“The defect is potentially fatal and patients
are fearful they may be the next victim,”
commented Elizabeth J. Cabraser, counsel for Mr. Hunter. “Many
patients are also concerned whether they will receive the necessary
diagnostic and medical care in the years to come, and whether they can
afford replacement surgery should their physician recommend extraction
of the lead. Today’s lawsuit seeks to hold
Medtronic responsible for the medical expenses Californians with the
recalled wires will incur.”
The lawsuit, entitled Hunter v. Medtronic, Inc., was filed in
federal court in San Francisco last week. The complaint alleges
Medtronic misrepresented the safety of its Sprint Fidelis leads and
failed to warn that the leads were prone to breakage. The Medtronic
Sprint Fidelis lead has had a significantly higher than expected failure
rate that appears in just the first two years after implantation.
Information for Heart Patients
Leads are the thin, insulated wires connected to a defibrillator that
carry electric impulses to the heart. Your wallet card will specify the
manufacturer of your defibrillator leads.
If you would like to learn more about the Medtronic recall and your
legal rights, please visit http://www.medtronicheartleadrecall.com.
Patients who have had to undergo surgery to replace a faulty lead or
have been advised by a physician that their lead may be defective are
also welcome to call counsel toll-free at 1-800-541-7358 and ask to
speak to attorney Heather A. Foster of Lieff Cabraser.
Resources for Reporters
Reporters who wish to receive a copy of the complaint are welcome to
contact Brandan de Coteau of Lieff Cabraser at bdecoteau@lchb.com
or (415) 956-1000.
About Lieff Cabraser
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is a fifty-plus attorney law
firm that has represented plaintiffs nationwide since 1972. We have
offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. We represent
plaintiffs in class and group actions and in individual lawsuits in
cases involving substantial injuries or economic losses. For the last
five years, The National Law Journal has selected Lieff Cabraser
as one of the top plaintiffs' law firms in the nation.
See the original story at: http://eon.businesswire.com/releases/medtronic/hunter/prweb596461.htm
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