Technology complements our lives wonderfully, and we rely on it daily for nearly everything we do. However, as brilliant as technology is, it’s not perfect, and some people can find themselves at its mercy when it goes wrong.
Even the most highly advanced medical devices can be flawed, and these flaws can have serious health consequences. If you suspect your new medical device is not functioning as it should, you might relate to some of the following signs.
Pain
Pain after a medical procedure can be fairly common, but Chaffin Luhana LLP injury lawyers have seen several examples of post-surgery pain that isn’t a part of the natural healing process. Instead, it was a sign of a defective medical device.
Sometimes, that pain can be localized to the area in which it was implanted or placed, but in many situations, the pain can be spread throughout the body. In recent years, a number of medical devices and implants have led people to experience excruciating pain and discomfort, such as IUDs, joint implants, mesh, and even surgical staplers.
Swelling
Swelling in the body is caused by a build-up of fluid or inflammation. Sometimes, people experience swelling on their outer skin and muscles, but it can also be internal. Many cases of swelling resolve themselves, but that’s rarely the case with swelling related to medical devices.
Typically, this type of swelling relates to problems with the function of a device or its materials not working harmoniously with your body. Often, removal is the only way to solve the problem, which can result in a great deal of stress for the sufferer.
Mobility Issues
Many people rely on medical devices like artificial hips and knees to assist with mobility issues. However, those same devices and implants sometimes cause mobility issues instead. Your new medical device might be defective if you find that you’re now experiencing a reduced range of motion and mobility in the area of your new device. While some pain and discomfort can be expected after surgery, you should ultimately have increased mobility rather than reduced.
Device Recall
Pain, swelling, and mobility issues can all be associated with defective medical devices, but you might also be made aware of a problem with yours when your device has been recalled. Sometimes, it’s not until you need a device to work, such as a defibrillator, that it becomes apparent that it has a fault. In that situation, mass recalls are issued to reduce the danger risk.
What to Do If Your Medical Device Is Defective
After experiencing significant discomfort from a new medical device, you might not know what you’re supposed to do next. Alongside consulting a medical professional, you might also see the value in discussing your situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can learn the facts of your case and fight for your right to adequate compensation for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience you might have experienced.
We trust medical professionals to do right by us, but that doesn’t mean things always go to plan. If you’ve been experiencing mobility issues, pain, swelling, and general discomfort after receiving a new medical device, now might be the time to seek advice about whether it might be defective.
