Georgia Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Suppose you are exploring the possibility of a lawsuit in Georgia due to the Impella Heart Pump. In that case, you should be aware of the severe side effects and device malfunctions that have prompted significant legal action.
• The Abiomed Impella heart pump, while significant for its role in cardiac support, has been mired in controversies, including FDA recalls, device-related injuries, and potential lawsuits due to risks like ventricle perforation and lack of blood flow.
• If you or someone you know has been affected by the Impella heart pump, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to assist you. Renowned for our proficiency in plaintiff representation, our main objective is to ensure you obtain the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing steadfast advocacy against the medical device industry giants.

Our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected by the Impella Heart Pump, with a promise of no fees unless we win your case. Key services include:

• In-depth analysis of medical records
• Expert navigation of legal complexities
• Aggressive advocacy in negotiations and court

Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit

Georgia’s legal landscape is punctuated with lawsuits involving Impella devices and Impella heart pump devices, underscoring the risks associated with these medical innovations when complications arise.

These lawsuits focus on a variety of models of Impella devices, including those subject to Class I recalls stern FDA warnings, and devastating side effects such as heart wall perforations and increased mortality risk, leaving many patients grappling with dire consequences.

We will illuminate the details of the device, the range of impacted pumps, the essence of the recall, and the influence of FDA warnings on Georgia’s legal disputes.

What Is an Impella Heart Pump?

An Impella Heart Pump is a medical device designed to assist blood flow in patients undergoing heart surgery or experiencing heart failure. It is a small yet sophisticated piece of technology, comparable in size to a pencil, that functions by temporarily relieving the heart’s pumping workload.

While the Impella Heart Pump plays a critical role in cardiac procedures, it also carries inherent risks due to its complexity and the potential for device malfunction.

The call to arms against the Impella pumps was not for one but many – a battalion of models including:

• Impella 2.5
• CP
• CP with SmartAssist
• 5.0
• 5.5 with SmartAssist
• LD

Impella heart pumps, across these models, have faced scrutiny for use-related risks, including FDA recalls and lawsuits stemming from complications like heart wall perforations. These issues underscore the importance of increased caution in their application.

Over 66,000 units were summoned back due to the specter of left ventricle perforation – a dire risk that could spell tragedy for the unsuspecting patient, potentially leading to blood flow death.

This recall, a seismic wave in the medical community, brought to light the inherent dangers lurking within these life-sustaining devices, potentially leading to serious adverse health consequences.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The recall of the Impella heart pump device stemmed from a combination of factors, including insufficient instructions and concerns over blood clots.

According to MJH Life Sciences, the recall was initiated due to the potential risk of heart perforation, notably linked to the pump catheter piercing the wall of the left ventricle, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. The FDA’s involvement was critical, as it responded to reports of 129 injuries and 49 deaths [1].

The manufacturer’s delayed notification to the FDA regarding the risk of heart tears, the subsequent urgent correction letters, and updated product labeling are all part of the ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety and address the concerns raised by these incidents.

Specifically, the recall targeted the Impella Left-Sided Blood Pumps, designed to provide temporary support for heart function during high-risk procedures or after severe heart attacks but associated with severe complications, including left ventricle perforation and fatalities.

According to the FDA’s 2023 notice, the Class I recall status is a potent weapon for plaintiffs, underscoring the severity of the danger posed by the Impella Heart Pump [2].

With the FDA’s spotlight on the pump’s instructions and warnings, lawsuits gain a foothold in the battle for accountability and justice.

Ventricular perforation is a rare complication during a high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when supported by Impella® (Abiomed). However, instrumentation of the left ventricle several days after transmural infarct potentially increases susceptibility for perforation – Ismael A Salas de Armas (MD), Assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

Side Effects of Impella Heart Pump

The side effects of the Impella Heart Pump, encompassing a range of Impella heart pump complications, read like the ominous warnings of a seer – increased mortality rates, heart walls torn asunder, and perforations that threaten the very essence of life.

Among these complications, free wall rupture stands out as a particularly grave concern, highlighting the device’s potential to cause serious harm. These side effects have not been kind to the vulnerable – older adults, women, and those with ailing hearts find themselves at greater peril.

Heart wall tears and heart wall perforations are serious complications that can arise from the use of the Impella Heart Pump. These medical issues require prompt attention and can be particularly concerning for patients who are already at increased risk due to factors such as age, gender, or pre-existing heart conditions.

The risks associated with the device, including the potential for decreased survival rates and the FDA’s advisories, are important considerations for both patients and medical professionals.

How Do You Qualify for an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit?

To qualify for an Impella Heart Pump lawsuit, you must have suffered from severe complications or have lost someone due to the device’s malfunction. This unfortunate experience opens the path to legal action, offering a means to pursue compensation and justice from those responsible.

The Status Of The Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Litigation in Georgia

The Impella Heart Pump litigation in Georgia involves:

• Ongoing legal proceedings
• Consideration for Multi-District Litigation (MDL) consolidation
• Plaintiffs seeking compensation for serious complications and wrongful death claims

The legal landscape in Georgia is adapting as these cases progress, reflecting the balance between individual claims and broader legal implications.

Georgia courts have witnessed a spectrum of outcomes in Impella cases, each one a puzzle piece in the larger landscape of device safety and manufacturer responsibility.

From early cases spotlighting the lack of warnings to more recent trials scrutinizing the adequacy of healthcare provider training, the legal tide ebbs and flows. The mixed rulings reflect the complex interplay of factors at the heart of these medical device cases.

Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Georgia

For individuals who have experienced complications with the Impella Heart Pump, settlement amounts in Georgia are determined to address the incurred losses. These settlements aim to cover medical expenses, compensate for lost wages, and acknowledge the pain and suffering endured.

Although no monetary value can fully restore one’s health, these settlements serve to support a more secure future.

The weight of severe complications from the Impella Heart Pump can be a heavy burden, but Georgia law provides a pathway to lift some of that load. Victims can seek compensation for the tangible and intangible losses they’ve suffered, from economic damages like medical bills and lost wages to the non-economic agony of pain and suffering.

Armed with well-documented medical records and a clear link between the device’s malfunction and their injuries, plaintiffs can forge ahead in their quest for damages.

Filing an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit in Georgia

Initiating an Impella Heart Pump lawsuit in Georgia necessitates familiarity with the state’s civil lawsuit procedures, guidance to the appropriate court, and the resolve to serve the complaint to the defendant. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but for those armed with the right knowledge and guidance, the path to legal recourse is well marked.

Types of Evidence To Present

The foundation of any lawsuit is built on evidence – solid, irrefutable, and compelling.

For Impella Heart Pump lawsuits, this means assembling a trove of:

• contracts
• receipts
• detailed sworn statements
• supporting documents

These pieces of evidence are the bricks that construct your case, each one meticulously laid to fortify your position and withstand the scrutiny of the court.

What is the Statute of Limitations for the Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit in Georgia?

The statute of limitations for the Impella Heart Pump lawsuit in Georgia is generally two years from the date of injury or death, which underscores the need for timely legal action.

However, certain exceptions may prolong this period, providing relief for those who become aware of complications after the standard deadline or for specific groups such as minors and individuals with mental incapacities. These provisions ensure that the pursuit of justice is not thwarted by time constraints alone.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit
• Texas Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Attorney
• Tennessee Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit

See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Georgia Our Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands with you in these trying times. Should you or someone close to enduring hardships related to the Impella heart pump, we encourage you to get in touch.

Our attorneys specialize in such matters and will navigate you through every step of the legal journey. Our goal is to demystify your legal options and determine your qualifications for filing a lawsuit.

We offer free consultations, and our compensation is contingent upon securing a victory for you. Contact us for a comprehensive review of your situation.

Reference:

1. https://www.hcplive.com/view/what-is-the-role-of-denervation-following-the-publication-of-the-symplicity
2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/abiomed-recalls-all-impella-left-sided-blood-pumps-risk-motor-damage-after-contact-transcatheter