Compensation for Injuries Caused by Boston Scientific’s Obsidio Embolic
Boston Scientific’s product, Obsidio Conformable Embolic, was designed to address emergency bleeding situations by blocking blood vessels in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, since its FDA authorization in 2022, multiple cases of severe injury and even death have been linked to its use. The product’s recall initially cited two deaths and seven injuries, but subsequent updates have revealed a total of four deaths and 15 injuries. Boston Scientific’s product continues to raise concerns due to the risks involved in treating lower GI bleeds, and more broadly, its use in any area of the GI tract.
The central issue with Obsidio involves the risks associated with reduced blood flow, which can cause severe medical complications such as prolonged hospitalization, the need for additional surgeries, or even death. The FDA has classified the recall as Class I, the most serious type of recall, indicating a reasonable probability that the use of this product will cause serious health consequences. Despite the recall, the product remains available on the market, albeit with updated instructions for physicians to mitigate some of the risks. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done for many patients.
How People Are Harmed by Defective Medical Products
When a medical product like Obsidio Embolic is defective, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may suffer life-threatening complications, including severe organ damage due to reduced blood flow, emergency surgeries such as bowel resections, and even death. The defective nature of the product can lead to off-target embolization, which means that the product might inadvertently block blood vessels in unintended areas, causing a ripple effect of damage throughout the body. Those who survive such injuries often face a long, painful recovery process, including multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
In cases like these, it is clear that the responsibility lies with the manufacturer. Boston Scientific’s failure to ensure the safety of Obsidio has directly led to tragic outcomes for many individuals and their families. Victims and their families deserve compensation for the harm they have suffered, but securing that compensation can be an uphill battle without the right legal representation.
Filing a Lawsuit for Defective Medical Products
Victims who have been harmed by the defective use of medical products such as Obsidio may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit. These lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for producing and selling products that cause harm to consumers. A product liability lawsuit typically centers on proving that the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or labeled in a way that caused injury. In the case of Obsidio, the primary argument may focus on the risks associated with its use in the GI tract and the inadequate warning about its dangers.
The lawsuit process begins by gathering evidence, which often includes medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of the product’s recall and updated warnings. An attorney will help victims build a compelling case to show that the manufacturer’s negligence directly caused their injuries. From there, victims can file a claim seeking damages to compensate for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Throughout the lawsuit process, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. Manufacturers like Boston Scientific will have strong legal teams ready to defend their product. Having a lawyer who understands product liability law ensures that victims have someone advocating for their best interests at every step. An attorney will handle all aspects of the case, from filing the lawsuit, gathering evidence, negotiating with the manufacturer, and taking the case to trial if necessary.
Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims of defective medical products like Obsidio may be entitled to significant compensation through a product liability lawsuit. The damages they could recover include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing medical treatment resulting from the injury.
- Lost Wages: Victims often miss work during recovery, and in some cases, they may never return to their previous jobs due to long-term complications. A lawsuit can help recover lost income and future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by a serious injury can be overwhelming. Victims may be compensated for the pain and emotional trauma they’ve endured.
- Wrongful Death: If a victim dies due to a defective product, their surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
These types of lawsuits are complex and often require the help of an experienced product liability attorney who can guide victims through the legal process and ensure they get the compensation they deserve.