Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have suffered injury or death while using Philips CPAP machines. Lawsuits against the manufacturer claim that certain Philips CPAP and BiPAP ventilator machines may lead to cancer and other health issues.
Philips CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person can stop breathing while asleep. CPAP devices pressurize and circulate air through a tube to the mask worn by the user. The airflow prevents obstruction of the airway and allows a person to breathe more regularly during sleep.
Certain Philips CPAP machines have been involved in a recall due to an increased risk of cancer. The affected devices contain polyester-based polyurethane sound abatement foam which is used to reduce noise while the device is in operation. The foam may deteriorate and discharge gases and particles that are linked to cancer. A Safety Communication from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the degraded foam in CPAP machines with an elevated risk of organ cancer, particularly kidney and liver cancer.
Legal claims against Philips were consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in federal court formed in October 2021. The Philips CPAP MDL is being tried in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania. As of December 2021, 127 cases were consolidated in the MDL with thousands more expected to join in the future.
Inhalation of particles or chemicals released by Philips CPAP machines may cause cancer, respiratory tract damage, and organ damage. Symptoms of exposure to dangerous emissions include airway irritation, discomfort to skin, eyes and throat, headache, respiratory difficulties, injury to the liver and kidney, coughing, chest pressure, and nausea and vomiting.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Philips CPAP machine, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
In June 2021, the FDA alerted the public that Philips announced a voluntary recall of several of its sleep apnea devices that were manufactured between 2009 and April 2021. This recall covered millions of devices. The FDA warned consumers that “black debris from the foam or certain chemicals” can be swallowed or inhaled by the user. The FDA has classified this action as Class I recall due to the high risk of serious injury.
The FDA issued a subsequent report in November 2021 to detail its observations after an inspection of the Philips Respironics facility in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. The agency determined, among other things, that the company’s risk analysis was inadequate, corrective action had not been implemented, design upgrades had not been fully undertaken, and the company failed to enact procedures to ensure the quality requirements were followed.
The Lake Law Firm
N/a
