Neptune Waste Management Systems, developed by Stryker, are medical devices indicated for the disposal of fluid waste. These devices collect surgical waste in the operating room and quickly dispose of the subsequent fluids. Of significant concern, however, are the serious injuries that may occur while using these devices. Two serious injuries have resulted from the use of Stryker Neptune Waste Management Systems, including one fatality. As a result, on June 5, 2012, Stryker initiated a Class 1 recall of the Neptune Waste Management Systems. However, the recall has recently been expanded to include several other stronger waste management devices manufactured by Stryker.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Stryker Neptune Waste Management System, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Stryker Neptune Recall Lawsuit Overview
Stryker, a leader in the worldwide orthopaedic medical technology market, is credited with the development of the Neptune Waste Management System. Available in several sizes and strengths, the Stryker Neptune Waste Management System consists of a rover and a subsequent docking station. The rover is designed to collect surgical waste in the operating room and then dispose of the fluids through the docking station. The closed environment prevents healthcare workers from being exposed to virtually no contaminants.
Unfortunately, these medical devices have recently become synonymous with serious injuries. As a result, Stryker Corp issued a Class I recall in June of their Neptune Waste Management Systems. The recall was in response to two reports of serious injury and a fatality resulting from the use of the device. The fatality was a direct result of the customer connecting the Neptune 2 System to a passive chest drainage tube post operatively. Past warnings made no indication against these actions.
On June 5, 2012, Stryker notified customers that it was recalling the following devices because their current warnings did not specifically indicate against connecting the Neptune Rover, which is a high vacuum/high flow device, to a passive drainage tube:
- Neptune 1 Gold Rover
- Neptune 1 Gold Rover – International
- Neptune 1 Silver Rover
- Neptune Bronze
- Neptune 2 Rover Ultra (120 V)
- Neptune 2 Rover Ultra (230 V)
If used improperly, these devices may cause serious injury and even death. Due to the dangers associated with these machines, the device manufacturer may find itself as the defendant in a large Stryker Neptune recall lawsuit
Expanded Neptune Recall
While the initial recall was intended to inform customers that the Neptune 2 device should not be connected to passive drainage tubes, an expanded recall included the following devices:
- Neptune 1 Silver
- Neptune 2 Ultra
- Neptune 2 Ultra (High Power)
Included in the expanded recall were acknowledgments that these devices did not have FDA approval. The FDA doesn’t consider the devices “to be legally marketed devices because their safety and effectiveness have not yet been determined,” the company said in the statement. “As such, FDA advises that the devices not be used.”
Do I Have a Stryker Neptune Recall Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Stryker Neptune recall lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by a Stryker Neptune Waste Management System, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.