Pain pumps are popular medical devices that infuse painkillers directly into the body after surgery. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that in joints, such as the shoulder or knee, this can destroy cartilage and cause a condition known as chondrolysis (also known as PAGCL).
Pain Pump Class Action Lawsuit
There are over 200 pain pump lawsuits pending in the United States, but these are not part of a pain pump class action — they are individual lawsuits. Lawyers have attempted to consolidate the litigation into one federal court, but judges denied motions in 2008 and 2010. For now, each lawsuits is proceeding separately in state court.
Pain Pump Lawsuit Awarded $4.75 Million
In January 2010, a jury in Oregon awarded $4.75 million to a man who was injured by the I-Flow On-Q Painbuster shoulder pain pump. The plaintiff, Matthew Beale, received the pain pump in 2004 after bicep surgery. He soon began to experience clicking noises and pain in his shoulder. Doctors diagnosed him with chondrolysis, a debilitating condition that occurs when cartilage wears away. He now experiences intense pain and limited mobility.
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm, but our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group is not pursuing justice for our clients through a pain pump class action. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits on behalf of people who developed chondrolysis or other serious complications.
- Chondrolysis
- Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL)
- Severe pain
- Decreased mobility or flexibility
- Additional surgery
About Class Actions
Class actions are beneficial in certain circumstances, such as when thousands of people want a refund after buying a defective product. However, class actions can have disadvantages for individuals with severe injuries. Members of class actions are often forced into higher attorneys’ fees or a blanket “low ball settlement.”
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
