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We consistently hold the makers of unsafe medical devices accountable.

Every year, surgeons implant medical devices in the body of thousands of patients. Transvaginal mesh, power morcellators, hip implants, knee replacements, heart devices: they all have the potential to save—and the potential to fail. Manufacturers must be made accountable. We are a leader in medical device litigation and we have the in-depth experience and steadfast commitment to see every claim through until justice is done. Find out why Waters Kraus & Paul is the right firm for you.

Medical Device Injury

We consistently hold the makers of unsafe medical devices accountable.

The implantation of medical devices to cure common ailments and basic aging is becoming commonplace. Modern science tells us we can replace hips, rebuild knees—and even hearts—all to suit our active lifestyles.

Most of us have come to trust in the safety of these devices. After all, our doctors recommend these procedures. Surely the companies that manufacture medical devices would not sell them without sufficient testing to ensure the products’ safety.

Unfortunately, the American public’s trust is all too often undeserved. Each year, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is deluged with more than 200,000 reports of medical devices that have malfunctioned or been involved in an injury. In addition, over 2,000 device-related deaths are reported annually. Within just the last few years, recalls have more than doubled for high and moderate-risk medical devices.

In February 2022, Exactech recalled over 100,000 plastic inserts that were used in its knee replacements after discovering that the plastic can wear out early, causing the implant to fail and requiring corrective surgery. Exactech knee replacements have a three-to-seven fold failure rate when compared to other manufacturers—a startling statistic considering the FDA approved this product for safe use years ago. Many people have required revision surgery because parts of their Exactech knee replacement loosened and failed prematurely, resulting in pain, limited mobility, knee swelling, and sensitivity. READ MORE

Another commonly used medical device that has also proven to be unsafe at times is hernia mesh. Hernia mesh is a screen-like medical device used by doctors to provide additional support to a patient’s weakened or damaged muscle tissue. Recovery from hernia repair surgery varies, but typically a patient should feel relatively better than before the surgery. However, some patients suffer from complications. Some of the more severe complications include foreign body reaction, bowel perforation, and obstruction. These and other adverse events may even require revision surgery. The most serious complications can range from severely painful to life-threatening. Since 2005, the FDA has issued several hernia mesh recalls due to the number of reported adverse events. Read more

Thousands of women are treated each year for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence with transvaginal mesh surgery. The surgery is easier, faster and less expensive than traditional methods of surgical repair. But it also can result in horrific side effects for the patient. The mesh can degrade over time, causing infection, bleeding and excruciating pain. In some women, the transvaginal mesh actually works its way loose and cuts through the vaginal wall. In July 2011, the FDA published a Safety Communication in which it warned of the dangers associated with transvaginal mesh surgery. Many manufacturers have voluntarily pulled their mesh products from the market. Read more

How Waters Kraus & Paul can help

With a national presence and a wealth of experience representing clients injured by dangerous products and unsafe medical devices, Waters Kraus & Paul provides aggressive representation throughout the entire course of litigation. To learn more about legal representation at Waters Kraus & Paul, or to have one of our attorneys review your potential mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness case, email us or call 800.226.9880.

Medical Device Reports: Urogynecolgical Surgical Meshes 2008-2010

  • 2,874 MDRs include malfunctions, injury, death
  • 1,503 MDRs are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs
  • 1,371 MDRs are stress urinary incontinence (SUI) repairs
  • 10% of women experienced mesh erosion w/in 12 months of surgery

Source: Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh, FDA, July 2011

Medicare Patients Nationwide 2000-2007 25% increase in hip replacements 

  • 60% increase in knee replacements
  • 85% combined increase in knee and hip replacements
  • 65% largest hip replacement increase: Hawaii
  • 90% largest knee replacement increase: Delaware
  • Minnesota has the greatest number of hip implants

Source: AAOS April 2012; Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, 2000-2007

Partner Patrick Wigle Part of New Trend in MDL Leadership

October 3, 2023 Nearly half of the trial lawyers selected to oversee Exactech product defect lawsuits are leading multidistrict litigation for the first time, including Waters Kraus & Paul Partner Patrick Wigle. The appointments reflect a trend among judges to ensure lawyers are…

Veteran Waters Kraus & Paul Attorneys Honored by Texas Super Lawyers

November 8, 2023 Waters Kraus & Paul is proud to announce that partners Andrew Waters, Peter Kraus and Charles Siegel once again have been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list. The prestigious legal industry guide recognizes the three among the top 5%…

Waters Kraus & Paul Lawyers Named to 2023 California Super Lawyers List

November 22, 2023 Waters Kraus & Paul LLP is proud to announce that partners Gary Paul and Mike Armitage in the firm’s Los Angeles office have been named once again to the prestigious 2023 California Super Lawyers list. About Super Lawyers® Super Lawyers is an annual rating service that identifies outstanding lawyers based on a rigorous evaluation and review process. The multiphase selection process includes peer nominations and evaluations combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The goal is to provide a credible, comprehensive and…

What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus & Paul has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

Call 800.226.9880