Pacemakers are medical devices that help correct and control abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Each year approximately 200,000 patients in the United States receive permanent pacemakers to improve and extend their lives. For those who suffer from heart rate abnormalities, pacemakers can mean the difference between a sedentary lifestyle and living a more vibrant and active life.

Pacemakers generally consist of three components: a generator, leads (wires) and electrodes. During an arrhythmia, the generator, which runs on batteries that last from five to 10 years, creates electrical impulses that travel through the leads and are delivered to the heart via the electrodes. In addition to correcting heart rate abnormalities, newer pacemakers are capable of monitoring the heart’s electrical activity as well as the patient’s blood pressure and breathing. Using this and other data, the pacemaker can adjust its output to coincide with the patient’s activity level.

Unfortunately, pacemakers can and do fail. In the event of pacemaker failure, a patient’s irregular heart rhythm goes uncorrected, putting the patient at risk of serious injury or death. Patients who experience pacemaker malfunction may lose consciousness and suffer debilitating or fatal heart failure. Potential pacemaker problems include short circuiting, battery failures, faulty electrical connections, fractured leads, failure to provide pacing and other defects that interfere with normal functioning.

In recent years several manufacturers of pacemakers and related implants have issued device recalls. These companies include Guidant, Medtronic, St. Jude and Welch Allyn, among others. If you or a loved one has a pacemaker, it is important to contact your physician regarding possible recalls, and to continue with regular follow-up examinations.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured by a defective pacemaker or similar device, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, financial loss, emotional distress and medical expenses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Our dedicated trial lawyers can also help you deal with your insurance company, as well as the insurer of the other party or parties. The insurance companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their payouts; you need an attorney who will work just as hard for you.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.