Medical devices—from pacemakers to surgical implants—play a vital role in healthcare. When used correctly and functioning properly, they can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life. But when these devices fail or cause harm, patients are left with questions: Who is responsible? Is it a case of medical malpractice or product liability?

Like any other product, medical devices are not always manufactured according to the highest level of safety standards. Defective medical devices can cause serious harm to patients, leading to additional costs, longer recovery times, and even permanent injuries like paralysis or cognitive impairment. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Each year, the FDA receives over two million medical device reports of suspected device-associated deaths, serious injuries, and malfunctions.” Product defects can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. 

However, not all harm caused by a medical device stems from a defective product. In some cases, the injury results from negligent medical care, such as improper use of the device or providing inadequate monitoring or follow-up care to the patient. 

At Menzer Law, we focus exclusively on medical malpractice claims, meaning we represent individuals who were harmed due to negligent medical care, not because of a defective product. Understanding the difference is crucial if you’re considering legal action. 

Medical Malpractice versus Product Liability

When you’ve been injured by something that happened during medical care, it’s important to understand whether your situation involves medical malpractice or product liability – or sometimes both. This distinction determines who may be legally responsible and what kind of claim you can pursue. 

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in direct injury or harm. This could include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment. In these cases, the negligence lies with the medical professional, not the device itself.

Product liability claims involve injuries caused by a defective medical product, such as a faulty implant, medication, or device that was unsafe when it left the manufacturer. In these cases, the negligence lies with the device manufacturer, not the healthcare provider.

In Washington state, patients harmed by defective products may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer. However, when an injury occurs in a hospital or clinical setting, the situation can be more complex. For instance, when a healthcare provider fails to use a medical device correctly, provide adequate monitoring to their patient, or does not meet the standard of care in responding to complications caused by the device, they may be held responsible for the resulting injury or harm.

Whether you have been harmed because of a faulty medical device or because of a healthcare provider’s negligence, it’s essential that you understand your legal options. The dedicated team at Menzer Law Group is committed to helping patients who have been seriously harmed by negligent medical care. If you’re unsure which category your case falls into, we offer a complimentary case review to help assess your situation and determine whether you may have a viable medical malpractice claim under Washington law.

Understanding Product Liability Claims

Product liability claims typically fall into one of three categories:

• Design defects: Flaws in the planning or engineering of the device
• Manufacturing defects: Errors during production or assembly
• Marketing defects: Inadequate warnings or instructions for safe use

Depending on the situation, product liability claims may be pursued against the device manufacturer, designer, or distributor. It’s important to note that product liability claims can be challenging to prove, as you will need to provide clear evidence that shows how the device was flawed, defective, or unsafe. 

Understanding Medical Device Misuse and Medical Negligence Claims in Washington State

Not all injuries involving medical devices are caused by defects in the product itself. In some cases, the device may be safe and properly manufactured, but the healthcare provider’s misuse of the device leads to patient harm.

Medical professionals have a legal duty of care, owed to every patient, that includes using medical devices appropriately and monitoring their patients for complications. When they fail to uphold this standard, such as by incorrectly installing a device or neglecting follow-up care, resulting injuries or harm may be a valid medical malpractice claim. 

If you were injured because a doctor or nurse failed to use a medical device properly, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. At Menzer Law Group, we focus on helping patients harmed by negligent medical care. If you’ve suffered harm due to a provider’s misuse or mismanagement of a medical device, we encourage you to reach out for a complimentary case review. Our team will help you determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim under Washington law.

When More Than One Party May Be Responsible

In some cases, both the manufacturer and the healthcare provider may share responsibility for a patient’s injury. Working with a dedicated Seattle attorney can help you identify which party (or parties) to name in the lawsuit. 

Class Action Lawsuits 

When multiple patients are harmed by the same defective medical device, they may join together in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. These cases are typically handled by firms that specialize in product liability. 

At Menzer Law, we do not participate in class action lawsuits related to defective products. Our focus remains on individual medical malpractice claims, where we can provide personalized attention and pursue justice for those harmed by negligent medical care. 

If you’ve suffered harm due to a provider’s misuse or mismanagement of a medical device, we encourage you to reach out. Our team of experienced medical malpractice attorneys will help you determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim under Washington law.

Recognizing Common Causes of Medical Device-Related Injuries in Washington State

Medical devices can fail for a variety of reasons, and determining the cause of the failure is essential to understanding your legal options. In some cases, the device itself may be defective due to a design or manufacturing flaw. In others, the injury may result from a healthcare provider’s misuse or mismanagement of an otherwise safe device.

Common Device-Related Injuries That May Lead to a Medical Malpractice Claim

• Improper Installation or Use: A device that is incorrectly implanted, calibrated, or operated can cause immediate or long-term harm. For example, a pacemaker installed incorrectly may fail to regulate heart rhythms, or a surgical tool used improperly could damage surrounding tissue. 

• Failure to Monitor Device Function: After a device is placed or used, healthcare providers must monitor its performance and the patient’s response. Failing to detect signs of malfunction, infection, or adverse reactions can result in serious harm.

• Delayed Response to Device Complications: When a device begins to fail or cause unexpected symptoms, prompt medical intervention is critical. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can worsen the injury and may be grounds for a malpractice claim. 

Should You Pursue a Medical Malpractice or Product Liability Claim in Seattle?

When medical care goes wrong, patients are often left facing painful recoveries, unexpected medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. If your injury involved a medical device, it’s important to determine whether the harm was caused by a defective product (product liability) or a provider’s negligence (medical malpractice). 

At Menzer Law Group, our practice is focused exclusively on medical malpractice cases, where a healthcare provider’s actions—or failure to act—caused substantial harm.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury while under the care of a medical professional, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress through a medical malpractice claim. At Menzer Law Group, we are proud to be one of Seattle’s leading firms in medical negligence law. 

We are intentionally selective in the cases we take on, allowing us to devote our full attention and resources to those where we believe we can make the most meaningful impact. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, strategic, and results-driven representation to every client. We invite you to contact our Seattle, Washington office today at (206) 903-1818 to arrange a complimentary review of your claim.