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Parker Waichman LLP is actively investigating cases related to defective lithium batteries in implantable cardioverter defibrillators. These batteries can lead to dangerous complications, including complete shutdown of the ICD devices. If you received a St. Jude brand implantable cardioverter defibrillator and experienced issues with your battery, contact our firm today to see if you might be eligible to join our lawsuit against the manufacturers.
Defective ICD Battery Lawsuits
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device implanted under the skin in the upper chest area that will monitor and detect irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. As the ICD detects an arrhythmia, it will send an electric pulse or electric shock to the heart to restore normal heart rhythm. The regulation and restoration of heart rhythm save patients from going into cardiac arrest or experiencing other dangerous medical conditions.
The lithium batteries in the ICDs are supposed to last many years and should send a vibration alert to patients when the batteries are running low. This alert will signal patients that they need to consult their doctors for battery replacement in about three months. The three-month indicator is designed to give patients reasonable time to make appointments with their physicians.
However, the lithium batteries in the Fortify, Unify, and Assura ICDs (including Quadra ICDs) are defective and tend to develop lithium deposits that result in rapid battery depletion. These ICDs are manufactured by St. Jude Medical, Inc., a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories. When lithium deposits or “clusters” develop inside the batteries, they can short circuit and deplete faster than patients have time to get them replaced. Such rapid depletion results in patients’ ICDs shutting down, halting the life-saving heart regulation they need.
Our firm’s investigation shows that St. Jude knew for at least five years that its ICDs contained defective batteries and even had a replacement ICD in 2015 yet did nothing to alert doctors or the public until October 2016.
We are pursuing a class action lawsuit against St. Jude and Abbott, and we are currently reviewing cases on behalf of people who potentially qualify to join the lawsuit. If you have a potential claim related to a defective ICD battery, contact Parker Waichman LLP today.
What Should I Look for in a Lawyer?
It is not always easy to know which law firm to hire, especially when several firms are involved in the same litigation. It is important that you do research on the firms you’re considering and contact each firm to ask questions about their experience levels and case processes. Some questions to think about asking are:
1. Are you organizing a class action regarding St. Jude ICDs?
2. Do you have other St. Jude ICD cases?
3. How often do you litigate medical device cases?
4. How much of your practice involves product liability cases?
5. How often do you give clients updates about their cases?
6. What is your current St. Jude ICD case criteria?
7. Do you use contingency fee contracts?
These questions should help you decide which firms have the qualifications to litigate your claim. If it sounds like a firm does not have a lot of medical device experience, consider contacting another firm that would be more prepared to take on your case. These cases have the potential to be quite complicated, and you do not want to find yourself represented by someone who is not up to the task.
Parker Waichman LLP Taking St. Jude ICD Cases
Parker Waichman LLP is currently accepting cases on behalf of people injured or placed at risk for serious injury because of defective ICD batteries. Our firm has extensive product liability experience, including decades pursuing compensation for people harmed by dangerous medical devices. We are a leading personal injury and product liability firm with a reputation for superior client advocacy.
We offer free case consultations and will investigate and review your St. Jude ICD claims with no money down from you. We understand you have been through enough stress, and you deserve the best legal representation without having to worry about how you can afford it. Allow us to talk to you about our case management process and how we can help you and your family recover the compensation you need.
How Do I Sign with Parker Waichman LLP?
We have an easy, pressure-free case intake system, and all you have to do to begin is contact our firm. You can call our 800 number, stop by one of our offices, or fill out our online form. You will first speak to a compassionate member of the Parker Waichman LLP staff to provide some preliminary information about your claim. One of our skilled medical device attorneys will then follow up with you to talk about the investigation process and make sure all of your questions are answered.
If we feel we can move forward with your claim, we will order medical records documenting your diagnoses, operative reports, product identification, and treatment notes. We will also determine the appropriate statute of limitations on your case, which is the state-law time limit on filing your claims. At the end of this process, we can make decisions together about the best way to proceed, including discussion about joining our class action lawsuit.
By working with Parker Waichman LLP, you will feel assured every step of the way that your case is in capable hands. Our St. Jude ICD battery lawsuit attorneys want to make sure you always feel comfortable with your case’s progress and recognize that your case is important to us. The whole process starts with just one easy call, so contact our firm today. Our attorneys are prepared to help you stand up for your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
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