Santa Barbara County Attorneys for Infections from Jackson-Pratt™ 3-Spring Reservoir Kits
Lawyers in Santa Barbara County Advocate for Victims of Post-Operative Infection
Surgical injuries are sometimes caused by defective medical products. Unfortunately, on March 27, 2024, there was a recall of the Jackson-Pratt 3 Spring Reservoir Kit due to sterilization concerns.
If you've suffered a post-operative infection due to faulty medical devices, contact NordstrandBlack PC right away. For over 35 years, our firm has been helping people in Santa Barbara recover compensation for serious injuries, including medical malpractice. Our Santa Barbara product liability lawyers have the resources needed to succeed, and we can aggressively protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
We can help confirm which type of device you were using and advise you on the best strategy for moving forward with your case. Call our experienced attorneys today at (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.
How This Recall Affects Santa Barbara County Surgical Patients
The Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit recall occurred after it was discovered that some units were shipped without undergoing proper sterilization, which is essential to ensure the device is free from harmful bacteria and pathogens. This medical device is crucial for draining fluids from surgical or nonsurgical wounds.
The manufacturer issued notifications to healthcare providers, hospitals, and distributors, outlining the specific lot numbers and serial numbers affected by the recall. These notifications were accompanied by detailed instructions on how to identify and return the defective units. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also released a safety alert informing the public and medical community about the potential risks of faulty devices.
The recall of the Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit primarily affects patients who have undergone surgeries or treatments requiring wound drainage. These patients are at an elevated risk of developing post-operative infections if they receive an unsterilized kit.
This device has been utilized in both hospital and home environments, but the usage and monitoring can differ. In hospitals, healthcare professionals manage the insertion, maintenance, and removal of the drain. This setting allows for close monitoring by medical staff, ensuring any complications are promptly addressed. Patients receive detailed instructions on how to care for the drain if they are discharged before it is removed. At home, the responsibility shifts to the patient or their caregiver to manage the drain.
Signs of Infection from Unsanitized Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kits
Common signs of infection from an unsterilized Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit include high fever and chills, indicating the body is fighting an infection. Redness and swelling around the wound site are also typical, often accompanied by pain or tenderness.
Excessive bleeding or the presence of pus and discolored discharge from the wound can signify a serious infection. Systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dehydration, and overall body weakness may also occur.
Seek medical attention immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms.
Legal Implications for Victims in Santa Barbara County
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the context of the Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit recall, medical malpractice could arise if a healthcare provider continued using the recalled device despite knowing the potential risks. This could lead to severe health complications for the patient, such as infections, prolonged recovery times, or the need for additional surgical procedures.
To establish a medical malpractice claim, the victim must prove that the healthcare provider's negligence directly caused their injuries. This involves demonstrating that the provider had a duty of care, breached this duty and that the breach resulted in harm.
Potential Compensation in Medical Malpractice Claims
Victims affected by the Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit recall may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These claims can cover a wide range of damages, including medical expenses incurred from treating complications caused by the defective device. Victims may also seek compensation for lost wages due to extended recovery periods or the inability to work. Additionally, pain and suffering — both physical and emotional — can result in compensation under personal injury law. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if it is proven that the manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
It is essential for victims to document all related expenses and impacts meticulously, as this evidence can be crucial in building a strong compensation claim.
Filing a Claim in Santa Barbara County for Faulty Medical Device Injuries
California's strict product liability laws offer robust protections for patients harmed by defective medical devices like the Jackson-Pratt 3-Spring Reservoir Kit. Under these laws, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable if a product is found to be defective and causes injury. As a result, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation if you've been affected by this recall.
Plaintiffs do not need to prove negligence — you only need to show that the product was defective and that the defect led to your injuries.
Speak with Our Santa Barbara County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At NordstrandBlack PC, we have dedicated our law practice to helping people who were injured by the negligent actions of others. You deserve to have an experienced attorney fighting on your side.
There are no legal fees to pay unless we win. Call one of our Santa Barbara County personal injury attorneys at (805) 962-2022 to learn more today.