Last year, Philips Respironics announced a voluntary recall of millions of their CPAP, BI-PAP and mechanical ventilators. The reason behind the recall was due to potential adverse effects on the users, including causing cancer. Those individuals that used the recalled machines to treat their obstructive sleep apnea and that have developed cancer, a respiratory disorder and or other serious health conditions as mentioned below, might be entitled to significant financial compensation for this product liability claim.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very prevalent condition that causes recurrent pauses in breathing when a person is asleep. It is seen in all age groups, but the frequency increases with age and obesity. Symptoms include snoring and daytime sleepiness. Weight loss, sleeping on one’s side, and decreasing alcohol consumption can help. The delivery of pressure via a face or nasal mask (CPAP or BI-PAP or Ventilator) is often prescribed. That’s why people use these types of devices to treat their breathing issues. If left unchecked, complications may arise, including heart disease, neurological disorders, metabolic syndrome, heart attack, stroke and even death due to a lack of oxygen.
What is CPAP, BI-PAP and Ventilators?
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, which is a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea but all of these devices can be used to treat the condition. They help deliver positive airflow into the lungs in order to prevent the airway collapse.
Details about the Phillips CPAP Mass Tort Lawsuit
The nationwide lawsuits claim that Philips’ machines have polyester-based polyurethane sound abatement foam, which degrades over time. In fact, Philips has already conceded that the foam in these CPAP BI-PAP and or Ventilators emits the following harmful chemicals: Toluene Diamine, Toluene Diisocyanate and Diethylene Glycol. As a result, patients using the their defective machines for at least six months may have a much greater risk of developing leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and or other cancers of the brain, bladder, blood, breast, kidney, liver, lung, lymph nodes, nose, prostate, rectal, spleen, stomach, testicles and cancer of the thyroid. Please be aware that The Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld is also accepting various non-cancer cases for users that are suffering from respiratory problems including asthma, hyper/hypo thyroid disease, kidney/liver disease/damage, lung disease, pulmonary edema and or fibrosis.
Over the next few months, thousands of people who believe they were injured by the recalled Philips CPAP, BI-PAP and or Ventilators will file their cases. The multi-district judge even issued an order to require a short form complaint to help streamline the litigation process.
If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, a respiratory disorder and or any of the aforementioned serious health conditions after using the Philips’ machines for at least six months, contact us today at (866) I SUE YOU (478-3968) for a free consultation. There are no attorney’s fees or costs unless you receive a settlement or court award; we are here to help!
