Intuitive Surgical Disclosed Last Week That It Is Now Named In More Than 50 Da Vinci Surgery Robotic Surgery Lawsuit Filings In Courts Throughout The U.S.
A new report from Bloomberg News indicates that Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is now facing at least 50 Da Vinci robotic surgery lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals who allegedly sustained serious injuries in robotic surgery procedures that utilized the Da Vinci Surgical System. According to Wright & Schulte LLC, the company had previously reported in July that it had been named in just 33 Da Vinci robotic surgery lawsuit. The rise in personal injury claims involving alleged Da Vinci surgery complications is not surprising, as Wright & Schulte receives frequent inquiries from individuals who claim to have suffered surgical burns, torn blood vessels, organ damage, and other serious injuries in procedures that involved the Da Vinci robot.
[bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-17/intuitive-s-profit-declines-on-lower-da-vinci-robot-sales.html, Bloomberg News, October 17, 2013]
[sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1035267/000119312513297410/d551118d10q.htm; SEC, July 22, 2013]
Intuitive is also blaming the increase in Da Vinci robotic surgery lawsuits for a corresponding rise in robotic surgery complication reports to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Claims brought to our attention by plaintiffs’ attorneys, which contain allegations of patient injury, are required to be investigated and in most cases are reported to the FDA,” Intuitive said in a regulatory filing, according to Bloomberg. “This has led to increases” in adverse event reports to the agency.
According to Bloomberg News, the Da Vinci robot was used in more than 350,000 minimally-invasive surgeries last year. However, in recent months, the device has been the subject of controversy, as questions about both its safety and effectiveness have continued to mount. Among other things, the FDA is now surveying doctors who use the Da Vinci robot in an attempt to determine what might be responsible for the growing number of adverse event reports detailing Da Vinci complications.
[bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-09/no-safety-benefit-found-in-use-of-robot-for-hysterectomy.html; Bloomberg News, September 9, 2013]
In March, the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecologists (ACOG) cited a lack of evidence indicating improved patient outcomes when it advised its members that robotic-assisted hysterectomy should not be the first choice for most women in need of the procedure. Just last month, a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology was unable to conclude that robot-assisted hysterectomy offered patients any additional benefits compared to traditional laparoscopy, and may even lead to an increased risk of post-operative pneumonia
[acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2013/Statement_on_Robotic_Surgery, ACOG, March 14, 2013]
[bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-09/no-safety-benefit-found-in-use-of-robot-for-hysterectomy.html; Bloomberg News, September 9, 2013]
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Lawsuits
Wright & Schulte LLC is now offering free legal evaluations to alleged victims of Da Vinci surgery complications, including tears and burns of the intestines, torn blood vessels, excessive bleeding, infections, punctured or cut ureters, damaged bowels, or vaginal cuff dehiscence. For more information on filing a Da Vinci robotic surgery lawsuit, or to arrange for a free legal consultation, please visit yourlegalhelp.com.
About Wright & Schulte LLC
Wright & Schulte LLC, an experienced personal injury firm, is dedicated to the belief that America’s legal system should work for the people. Every day, the attorneys of Wright & Schulte LLC stand up for the rights of people who have been injured or wronged and fight tirelessly to ensure that even the world’s most powerful corporations take responsibility for their actions. If you’re looking for a law firm that will guarantee the aggressive and personal representation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact Wright & Schulte LLC today. Free case evaluations are available through yourlegalhelp.com or by calling 1-800-399-0795
