MegaDyne Electrode Lawsuit Lawyers

MegaDyne Electrodes Potentially Linked to Severe Burns

Certain patient return electrodes and electrosurgical devices are now the subject of numerous MegaDyne lawsuits due to reports of severe burns, electrical shocks, and other significant complications during surgical procedures. Plaintiffs allege that MegaDyne electrodes, designed to enhance safety and efficiency in surgery, were defectively manufactured, leading to harmful malfunctions. These legal claims also accuse MegaDyne and its parent company, Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), of failing to adequately warn healthcare providers and patients about the risks associated with these devices.

IMPORTANT: Ethicon strongly denies any liability or wrongdoing, and there have been no settlements in these cases. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest in this fast-moving litigation.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by defective MegaDyne electrodes, you may have grounds for a legal claim. At Riddle & Brantley, our experienced team of MegaDyne Electrode lawsuit attorneys are ready to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your MegaDyne Electrode lawsuit and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.

MegaDyne Electrode Lawsuit Guide

What Are MegaDyne Patient Return Electrodes?

Ethicon is a leading manufacturer of electrosurgical devices, including their well-known MegaDyne patient return electrodes. These electrodes are integral to various surgical procedures, designed to safely conduct electrical currents away from the patient’s body to minimize the risk of burns and other injuries. The Mega Soft Reusable Patient Return Electrode, for instance, is marketed as a safer alternative to traditional disposable electrodes, claiming to reduce the risk of patient burns. However, recent lawsuits allege that these electrodes have malfunctioned, causing severe injuries to patients during surgery.

Various MegaDyne electrodes have also been recalled, including the following products:

• MEGADYNE MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrode 0800
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Reusable Patient Return Electrode 0830
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Dual Reusable Patient Return Electrode 0835
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Pediatric Patient Return Electrode 0840
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Universal Patient Return Electrode 0845
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Universal Dual Patient Return Electrode 0846
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Universal Plus Patient Return Electrode 0847
• MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Universal Plus Dual Patient Return Electrode 0848

The MegaDyne recall is a Class I recall, the most serious of FDA recalls. In its statement accompanying the MegaDyne recall, the FDA states that "use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death."

As of July 2023, there were over 60 reported cases of serious burn injuries linked to MegaDyne electrodes. The FDA has advised that younger patients may be at higher risk.

MegaDyne Electrode Lawsuits

MegaDyne electrodes, particularly the patient return electrodes, have been linked to a range of injuries and complications. Lawsuits filed against MegaDyne and Ethicon allege that these devices were defectively designed or manufactured, resulting in thermal burns, electric shocks, and other serious injuries. Plaintiffs in these defective medical device lawsuits argue that the manufacturers failed to properly warn medical professionals and patients about the potential risks, thereby exposing them to unnecessary harm.

Many of these cases are being filed individually across various jurisdictions, but there is potential for these lawsuits to be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). An MDL allows for similar cases to be combined to streamline pretrial proceedings, avoid inconsistent rulings, and potentially expedite settlements. If you have suffered an injury due to a MegaDyne electrode, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your case. Please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review to determine if you qualify for a MegaDyne lawsuit.

"What Kind of Injuries Are Potentially Caused by MegaDyne Electrodes?"

The injuries reported in lawsuits related to MegaDyne electrodes primarily include:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns are the most common injury associated with MegaDyne electrodes. These burns occur when the electrodes malfunction, causing overheating that can burn the patient’s skin or underlying tissues. Severe cases may require additional surgeries to treat or repair the damage.
• Electrical Shocks: Patients and surgical staff have reported incidents of electrical shocks during procedures involving MegaDyne electrodes. These shocks can cause immediate harm, including nerve damage, and pose significant risks during surgery.
• Organ and Tissue Damage: Malfunctioning electrodes can cause unintended cuts or coagulation, leading to damage to internal organs and tissues. This can result in serious complications and prolonged recovery times.
• Infections and Sepsis: Burns and other complications potentially related to MegaDyne patient return electrodes can increase the risk of infections, which, if not properly treated, may lead to life-threatening sepsis.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries following surgery involving MegaDyne electrodes, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact our law firm at 1-800-525-7111 for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

How to Qualify for a MegaDyne Lawsuit

To file a lawsuit against MegaDyne and Ethicon, certain criteria must be met to build a strong case:

1. Proof of Device Usage: Plaintiffs must provide evidence that a MegaDyne patient return electrode or other electrosurgical device was used during their surgical procedure. This can include medical records, surgical reports, and other documentation.
2. Documented Injuries: Plaintiffs must have medical documentation clearly outlining the injuries sustained as a result of using a MegaDyne electrode. This includes records of burns, shocks, infections, or other related complications.
3. Causal Link: There must be evidence or expert testimony that links the injury directly to the use of a MegaDyne electrode or electrosurgical device. This could involve the device malfunctioning or failing to perform as expected. If you participate in a MedaDyne electrode lawsuit, your attorney (or attorneys associated with potential multidistrict litigation) will help collect evidence of a potential causal link.
4. Timely Filing: Legal claims must be filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by state. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to seek compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner.

If you believe you meet these criteria, call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case evaluation to determine if you qualify to join the MegaDyne lawsuits. Our attorneys are experienced handling defective medical device claims and we are ready to help however we can.

Allegations Against MegaDyne and Ethicon

The MegaDyne electrode lawsuits primarily focus on three main allegations against MegaDyne and its manufacturer, Ethicon:

• Defective Design and Manufacturing: The lawsuits claim that MegaDyne electrodes were defectively designed or manufactured, causing them to malfunction during surgery and resulting in severe injuries to patients.
• Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs allege that MegaDyne and Ethicon failed to provide adequate warnings to healthcare providers and patients about the potential risks associated with their patient return electrodes and other electrosurgical devices.
• Negligence: Some MegaDyne lawsuits assert that MegaDyne and Ethicon did not conduct sufficient safety testing, quality control, or provide proper training on the safe use of their devices, leading to preventable injuries.

Potential Compensation in MegaDyne Electrode Lawsuits

Victims who file lawsuits against MegaDyne and Ethicon may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Potential compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs related to treating burns, infections, surgical repairs, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to time missed from work while recovering from injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship or support suffered by the victim's family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where negligence or willful misconduct is proven, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the defendants and deter future misconduct.

How a MegaDyne MDL Could Affect Your Claim

The consolidation of MegaDyne lawsuits into an MDL could significantly impact how these cases are handled. An MDL allows for more efficient pretrial proceedings, potentially speeding up the legal process and increasing the likelihood of settlements. While each case remains unique, the strength of many plaintiffs presenting similar claims may help bolster the case against MegaDyne and Ethicon.

If your case becomes part of an MDL, your attorney will still represent your individual interests, and you will retain control over key decisions, such as whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial. Please call 1-800-525-7111 to discuss a potential MegaDyne claim or lawsuit and review your legal options with an experienced defective medical device lawyer.

"This case changed me and my family's lives."

-Linda B., client

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a defective MegaDyne patient return electrode or electrosurgical device, don’t delay seeking legal assistance. Our experienced attorneys handle medical device litigation and are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. We are committed to securing the maximum compensation possible for our clients and holding negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions.

Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation case review. Our team will provide a thorough evaluation of your case, answer your questions, and guide you on the best course of action to pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.

Justice Counts.