Have you been harmed by the CPAP machine that was supposed to help you breathe? You could be eligible for compensation.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines treat patients suffering from sleep apnea disorders. Patients may also use related devices such as BiPAP machines and mechanical ventilators. These devices provide a steady flow of purified oxygen into a person’s airways to help keep the airways open and allow the person to breathe normally while asleep, reducing disruptions to sleep that may prevent patients from getting a good night’s rest.
Phillips Respironics, one of the largest manufacturers of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator machines, has recently recalled various models of its devices. The recall occurred because of a design defect that may result in the breakdown of insulating foam in the machine. The foam breaks down into tiny particles or gases that can enter the airway and get inhaled by users. The foam or gases contain toxic chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, organ damage, or cancers.
Users of Phillips devices have filed numerous lawsuits against the company due to the design defect and the company’s failure to warn of the defect. If you’ve suffered medical complications after using a Phillips device, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the company to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Phillips CPAP lawsuit refers to various cases against Phillips Respironics, including a class action lawsuit filed in Massachusetts and a federal multidistrict litigation ongoing in Pennsylvania. These lawsuits allege that various models of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator machines manufactured by Phillips suffered from design or manufacturing defects related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to dampen sound and vibrations during the use of the machines.
Plaintiffs claim that the foam can break down into tiny particles or gases and enter the tubing in the machine that delivers airflow to users. High heat and humidity may increase the risk or rate of foam breakdown. PE-PUR foam particles or gases can put users at risk for various health complications, including respiratory problems, organ damage, and cancer. Some toxic chemicals detected in PE-PUR foam or gases include toluene diamine, toluene diisocyanate, diethylene glycol, dimethyl diazene, and phenol.
In June 2021, Phillips began recalling millions of its devices. However, plaintiffs who have filed CPAP lawsuits allege that the company knew of the foam breakdown problem in its machines long before issuing the voluntary recall. Despite this knowledge, the company continued to sell defective machines and failed to warn users of the potential dangers of the devices.
Plaintiffs coming forward in the Phillips CPAP lawsuit have alleged suffering from a wide variety of illnesses and medical complications, including:
Users of defective Phillips CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical respirator devices have reported suffering from symptoms such as:
You may have a possible claim against Phillips if you have used a CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator device that the company has since recalled. Recalled models include:
You may have the right to file a Phillips CPAP lawsuit or to join an ongoing class action lawsuit if:
Family members of users of Phillips devices who have died from respiratory illnesses, cancer, or organ damage might also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer. Speak with a CPAP lawsuit attorney as soon as possible to determine whether you have a viable claim against Phillips. You have limited time to file your claim, so don’t delay talking to a lawyer.
In a CPAP lawsuit, you may have the right to recover compensation for financial and personal losses due to health complications caused by a defective Phillips device. Potential compensation may include:
Families who have lost a loved one due to health complications caused by a defective Phillips machine may recover compensation in a wrongful death claim. They could obtain money for:
If you own a Phillips CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator device, and you’ve experienced respiratory or other health complications, you might have the right to recover compensation for the harm and loss you’ve suffered. Contact a CPAP lawsuit lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can discuss your options and get the representation you need to pursue a case against the manufacturer of your defective device.