Philips CPAP Lawyer in Pennsylvania
A Philips CPAP lawyer in Pennsylvania may be able to help if you have a Philips CPAP machine that was recalled. For more than 15 million users of these devices, new information about the dangers of degraded sound abetment foam in these devices is troubling. Health issues associated with foam degradation and off-gassing from these devices has been linked to cancer, lung issues, and heart damage.
The Philips CPAP Recall
As of January 2022, seventeen Phillips devices have been recalled by the FDA. The list of devices recalled can be found here. If your device has been recalled, be sure to speak with your doctor immediately about safely treating your sleep apnea.
The recall involves health risks stemming from the polyester-based polyurethane sound abatement foam. This foam reduces the amount of sound and vibrations produced by the CPAP machine. Unfortunately, there is significant evidence that this foam can pose health risks to the patient. This can happen in two ways. First, the foam can degrade, or break down into small particles. Then these small particles are inhaled by the patient. Secondly, the foam can release chemicals into the air that are inhaled by the CPAP user. This is referred to as off-gassing.
In both cases, the CPAP user inhales material that is not intended for consumption. The FDA states that “these issues can result in serious injury, which can be life threatening, cause permanent impairment, and require medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.” It warns that CPAP users may experience irritation to the skin, eye, and respiratory tract, headache, asthma, and toxic or carcinogenic effects to organs, such as the kidneys and liver.
Philips has already acknowledged that off-gassing from the foam has emits dimethyl diazine and Phenol 2, 6-bis at levels that exceed safety thresholds. Concerns have also been raised about the off-gassing of other chemicals contained in the foam, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and methylene chloride.
Health problems potentially linked to the foam include:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Heart damage
The FDA investigation demonstrated that Philips employees knew about the potential for foam gradation issues with their devices since 2015 and failed to act on this knowledge. Philips Respironics is now facing legal action over these recalled devices. These lawsuits allege that the company’s inaction caused Philips CPAP users to spend years inhaling potentially carcinogenic and toxic materials.
Currently, these lawsuits are handled by multidistrict litigation. Each plaintiff can seek compensation for their injuries, but the process is streamlined for consolidated claims. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania has over 100 lawsuits already in process.
The claims against Philips Respironics are complicated. The plaintiffs are taking on a massive medical device manufacturer for complex damages. These claims have the potential for significant compensation but demand an attorney with specialized knowledge. The personal injury attorneys at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC are investigating claims for CPAP users and their families.
Contact a Philips CPAP Lawyer at Wieand Law Firm, LLC
If your Philips CPAP device has been recalled, it’s important to take immediate action. First, talk with your doctor right away about treating your sleep apnea before you stop using the device. Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous, and your doctor can help you make decisions on treatment. Also make an appointment to get checked for potential injuries due to the exposure. Next, register your recalled unit for replacement at https://www.philipssrcupdate.expertinquiry.com/registration. Finally, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney about filing a claim. The Wieand Law Firm offers free consultations and can help you understand the legal process.
