In 2008 and 2009, two manufacturers of insulin pumps – Animas and Medtronic – issued nationwide recalls due to findings that parts of their insulin pumps were defective, causing the devices to administer unsafe amounts of insulin. On November 21, 2008, the Animas Corporation announced that it was recalling the following insulin pumps because defective battery caps caused the devices to reset and deliver improper amounts of insulin:
- Animas 2020 Insulin Pump
- Animas IR1200 Insulin Pump
- Animas IR1250 Insulin Pump
Less than one year later on July 10, 2009, Medtronic, Inc. announced that it was issuing a national recall of their MiniMed insulin pumps with lot numbers starting with “8” due to defects with the device’s cannula. The cannula is a small tube linked to the pump that transports insulin to the body. Cannula malfuctions occured as a result of the tub bending or disconnecting from the insulin pump, thereby disrupting the steady flow of insulin. The specific lot numbers of recalled Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps include:
- MMT-359S6
- MMT-359S9
- MMT-359L6
- MMT-359L9
Insulin Pump Injuries that Led to the Animas & Medtronic MiniMed Recalls
Despite the fact that insulin pumps have been lauded for their ability to deliver a steady, precise amount of insulin to patients, various defects in the devices’ designs can cause either too much or too little insulin to be administered to a diabetic, which, in turn, can result in:
- diabetic ketoacidosis, lack of insulin in the body that is marked by abdominal pain, frequent urination, fatigue, and shortness of breath
- hyperglycemia, excessive levels of blood sugar (glucose) that is characterized by headache, weakness, and blurry vision
- hypoglycemia, dangerously low levels of blood sugar (glucose)
Defective Device Lawsuits Following the Insulin Pump Recall
Diabetics who have been injured as a result of using a defective Anima or Medtronic insulin pump should seek immediate medical care and, once their health is stable, consult with a skilled defective device attorney to learn more about their legal rights and entitlements. Those injured by the Anima or Medtronic insulin pumps will have a legal claim against the respective corporation that made their pump, and they may be entitled to a settlement for their medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
If you or a loved one have used a Diabetes Insulin Pump and suffered from any side effect including diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
