Power Morcellator Lawyer

Women may undergo a hysterectomy for a variety of reasons. Doctors recommend hysterectomies to treat cancer, chronic pain, vaginal bleeding, or endometriosis. Depending on the patient’s condition and the reason, surgeons choose between a traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure (MIP). While a MIP offers many benefits, some women have suffered adverse health effects after a MIP with power morcellators. 

Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals harmed by Johnson & Johnson’s power morcellator devices. Please reach out today to speak with a power morcellator lawyer about your potential claim. 

What is a Power Morcellator?

A power morcellator is a medical device used in a MIP to cut tissue into smaller pieces. Surgeons can then extract the tissue through a small incision of less than 2 centimeters. A power morcellator consists of blades and a long tube that surgeons can insert through a tiny cut in the abdomen. Once inside, the blades chop the tissue into minute fragments that surgeons can vacuum out. Surgeons primarily use power morcellators during hysterectomies or myomectomies (fibroid removal). With this device, there is no need for surgeons to make sizeable cuts through the stomach muscle. This less intensive surgery allows patients to recover quickly, experience less pain, and avoid wound complications. 

FDA on Power Morcellators 

In 2014, the FDA issued a safety communication regarding power morcellators during laparoscopic hysterectomies or myomectomies. The agency advised that the medical devices can spread cancerous tissue throughout the abdomen and pelvis in patients with undiagnosed uterine cancer. At the time of the safety notice’s release, the FDA estimated that 1 in 350 women undergoing a hysterectomy or myomectomy have uterine sarcoma, a type of uterine cancer. 

Furthermore, the FDA explicitly warned against power morcellators in the majority of minimally invasive hysterectomies or myomectomies. Following the FDA’s announcement, Johnson & Johnson ceased the distribution of its power morcellator device. 

Power Morcellator Lawsuits

A minimally invasive hysterectomy or myomectomy presents appealing benefits such as faster post-op recovery, no typical scarring, and a lower risk of site infection. However, studies show that power morcellators significantly worsen a patient’s prognosis by spreading cancer in the body. Lawsuits allege that manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson failed to inform the public about the device’s capability to distribute cancerous tissue. Claimants argue that research regarding health complications associated with power morcellators spans decades. For example, a government report revealed that the FDA knew of the cancer risks linked to power morcellators as far back as 1991. 

Disturbingly, many manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson put their morcellator devices through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance. This fast-track approval allows devices on the market without clinical trials. Therefore, lawsuits accuse power morcellator manufacturers of neglecting to adequately tests their products before selling them. 

Hundreds of individuals have filed lawsuits against power morcellator manufacturers nationwide. Johnson & Johnson and other power morcellator manufacturers settled many lawsuits before trial. Although the amounts remain undisclosed, experts estimate settlements range from $100,000 to $1 million. 

Do I Qualify for a Power Morcellator Lawsuit? 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer following a hysterectomy involving a power morcellator, you may qualify for a lawsuit against the manufacturers. A power morcellator lawyer can help you recover compensation for: 

  • Past and future medical expenses;
  • Past and future pain and suffering;
  • Loss of wages; and 
  • Other economic losses related to your injury

How Our Law Firm Can Help You

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) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.