PARKER WAICHMAN LLP – DRAGER MEDICAL FABIUS ANESTHESIA MACHINES LAWSUITS
Parker Waichman LLP is currently evaluating potential product liability lawsuits against Drager Medical, the manufacturer of multiple Fabius Anesthesia Machines for injuries and deaths associated with these medical products. The Fabius Anesthesia Machines were recently recalled, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the recall as Class I, the most serious type of recall available – one that poses a risk of injury or death to patients. If you have sustained injuries relating to a Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machine, it may be time to speak with an attorney to find out if compensation for your suffering may be available.
What Are Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines?
Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines are used for inhalation during an operation or surgical procedure. Such machines are also used in induction and recovery rooms at hospitals and when patients are undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. The Fabius machines are used for patients of all ages. These machines are used with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and gas that is either distributed through a medical gas pipeline system or by externally mounted gas cylinders.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Issues Class I Recall for Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines
On March 1, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I recall for Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines. The FDA issues product recalls and public health notifications when it discovers (either through the medical device manufacturers or adverse event reports sent to the FDA) that a particular medical device poses a risk of harm or death to patients. When issuing a recall, the FDA will provide all relevant information regarding the product. Such information regarding the Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines includes the following:
- Product Names
- Fabius GS Premium
- Fabius Tiro
- Fabius Tiro M
- Fabius MRI Anesthesia Machines
- Model/Catalog Numbers
- Fabius GS Premium – 8607000
- Fabius Tiro – 8606000
- Fabius Tiro M – 8608400
- Fabius MRI Anesthesia Machines – 8607300
- Manufacturing Dates: June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017
- Distribution Dates: July 14, 2017 to December 13, 2017
- Total Number of Devices Recalled in the United States: Sixty-two (62) total units spanning across twenty-one (21) states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin) and Puerto Rico.
The Class I recall of Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines applies to any patient who was under anesthesia during a medical procedure with the use of the Drager machine, and any healthcare provider who may have used the machine or treated a patient in a procedure where the machine was used.
Why are the Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines Subject to a Class I Recall?
Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines are Currently Subject to a Class I recall because an excess amount of oil was not removed on certain machines during the manufacturing and production process. According to the FDA, the excess oil has the potential to “interfere with the position detector of the ventilation motor during operation and may cause ventilation to fail.” Ventilation is crucial to survival when a patient is under anesthesia. If ventilation fails, patients are at risk of suffering severe and permanent injuries or death.
Steps to Take Following the Fabius Anesthesia Machines Recall
Pursuant to a March 1, 2018 letter sent by Drager Medical to all customers (i.e., hospitals, doctors and other heathcare providers) notifying them that the Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machines were subject to a recall, the FDA has identified Drager Medical’s instructions for customers, which include (1) continuing to operate the Fabius Anesthesia Machines as they normally would; and (2) make sure a manual resuscitator for emergency ventilation is ready to go in case the anesthesia machine fails.
Drager Medical is currently manufacturing replacement motors for the Fabius Anesthesia Machines. The defect identified by Drager Medical and the FDA pertains to one set of Fabius Anesthesia Machines that were not manufactured according to specifications. Such an error can have deadly consequences.
Do You Have a Potential Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machine Lawsuit?
When ventilation fails during an operation while a patient is under anesthesia, the patient’s life is at risk. Death is the worst possible outcome, but there are severe and debilitating brain injuries that patients may experience if they survive a procedure or operation. Oxygen deprivation can cause brain cells to die in as little as five (5) minutes. The longer a patient is without oxygen, the more severe the brain injury can be. Damage to the brain can result in a patient losing basic human functions, such as the ability to speak, walk, eat, or bathe alone. Additionally, patients may suffer from partial or complete paralysis.
The consequences of brain damage are not only permanent physical and mental injuries, but a patient may lose the ability to work and make a living. A patient may become a stranger to his or her spouse, parents, children, and friends. A patient’s life is turned upside down from brain damage all because a machine has not been properly manufactured and produced. One small mistake in the development or manufacture of a medical device can ruin a person’s way of life. In addition to injuries and the inability to work, substantial medical expenses can make it difficult for a family to make ends meet. In some cases, bankruptcy may be necessary to eliminate strangling medical expenses related to injuries caused by a defective medical device.
Because ventilation failure can cause significant damage in so many ways, injured victims may have the opportunity to hold a medical device manufacturer accountable for selling a product that has a life-threatening defect. Whatever the reason may be for Drager Medical’s defective Fabius Anesthesia Machines, the fact remains that a patient’s life is at risk when failed ventilation results in oxygen deprivation that can cause permanent injuries or death.
Parker Waichman LLP – Obtaining More than $2 Billion in Compensation for Clients
At Parker Waichman LLP, our nationally-recognized Defective Medical Device Lawyers represent clients from all across the country, helping them receive compensation for pain and suffering associated with injuries. Our law firm has recovered more than $2 billion collectively in compensation through settlements and plaintiffs’ verdicts at trial for our clients. Our firm’s ability to help so many victims of defective medical devices receive compensation has led to numerous positive peer-reviewed ratings. Some of these positive ratings include, among others, the following:
- 9.8/10 Rating by AVVO;
- “Preeminent Lawyers” AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell;
- Ranking of “5 Dragons” by Lawdragon (the highest ranking available); and
- Listing in “Best Lawyers” Publication Established by Thorough Peer Review.
In addition to successfully representing injured and deceased clients, the legal team of Parker Waichman LLP focuses on ensuring all clients are receiving the care and attention they deserve. Seeking legal action is not only about filing a lawsuit. Having a strong attorney and dedicated legal staff to support clients and keep them up-to-date on their case status is another way Parker Waichman LLP stands out from the rest.
Contact a Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machine Lawsuit Lawyer to Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you are suffering from injuries you believe were caused by a Drager Medical Fabius Anesthesia Machine, it may be time to speak with a qualified lawyer who can determine if compensation is available. The Defective Medical Device Lawyers of Parker Waichman LLP will thoroughly evaluate your situation and discuss potential legal options. To receive your free consultation, contact our law office today by calling (800) YOUR-LAWYER (968-7529).
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