Lawsuits Filed Over Power Morcellator Cancer Risks
According to the American Association for Justice (AAJ), as many as two dozen product liability lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of laparoscopic power morcellators - medical devices used during the removal of uterine fibroids. The lawsuits were prompted by serious risks that power morcellators may spread undetected cancer from the uterus to other parts of the body.
Power morcellators are surgical devices that use rotating blades to grind and remove uterine fibroids, a common gynecological condition in women. In recent months, the device has attracted a great deal of attention due to the possibility that it may spread undetected cancer and pose extreme risks to a patient's health.
FDA Warning
After investigating a number of reports from patients, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning on April 17, 2014 advising doctors about the risks associated with power morcellators. According to the FDA, as many as 1 in 350 women who under a procedure using a power morcellator is at risk for developing cancer. An FDA Advisory Committee will conduct a hearing in early July to discuss the risks of power morcellation and the future of these devices.
In light of the serious risks, the FDA has advised all women to avoid power morcellator procedures and to have routine follow-up with physicians if they had undergone such procedures. Johnson & Johnson - the largest manufacturer of the device - has already suspended global sales of power morcellators.
Power Morcellator Lawsuits
Lawsuits filed against power morcellator manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson allege that women developed cancer as a result of undergoing procedures using the device. The lawsuits also allege that manufacturers knew or should have known about the risks of spreading cancer, and that they failed to address the issue and adequately warn patients. As the FDA and medical community further explore risks, more lawsuits are expected to be filed across the country.
At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, our Personal Injury Lawyers West Virginia are committed to protecting the rights of victims and families who have suffered harm through no fault of their own. If you or someone you know has developed cancer after undergoing a power morcellator procedure, our attorneys are available to evaluate your case to determine if you may have a claim.
Fill out a free case evaluation form or call 888-720-1001 to learn more.