Philips Respironics (Philips) has been in the news recently after millions of its CPAP machines and sleep apnea devices were recalled. Based on the complaints and information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a polyurethane sound abatement foam used in the devices can break apart with regular use. If inhaled, the foam could cause the user to suffer a variety of health problems due to its inherent toxicity.
Mild to moderate side effects from using a defective Philips CPAP machine include:
- Temporary nausea
- Sinus infections
- Lingering cough
- Chest pain
- Frequent headaches
While these side effects are problematic, they might not warrant a lawsuit against Philips if they are temporary or do not require any medical attention. The class action lawsuits that are forming against Philips – one has already been made official in Massachusetts and others are expected to follow – are comprised of plaintiffs who have suffered severe health conditions as a result of inhaling the toxic foam in the CPAP machines.
Severe side effects caused by the defective CPAP machines include:
- Kidney disease
- Liver damage
- Liver failure
- Asthma
- Respiratory disease
- Upper airway infections
- Lung disease
- Cardiovascular damage
Many of the plaintiffs have also been diagnosed with cancer that is believed to have been caused by inhaling the toxic abatement foam across months or years of use. Kidney, lung, and liver cancer are reportedly the most common forms of cancer among the plaintiffs.
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How Do You Know If You Have a Valid CPAP Lawsuit?
People with the strongest cases against Philips will meet these prerequisites:
- Used a recalled Philips CPAP or BiPAP device for an extended period. (A full list of all recalled devices can be found on the FDA website by clicking here.)
- Diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness, such as a related form of cancer, lung disease, or asthma.
If you think you should sue Philips for compensation after using a dangerously defective CPAP machine, then find out with certainty by working with Basch & Keegan LLP. We have been helping people hold corporations and product manufacturers liable for unsafe products since first opening our doors in 1987. From our offices in New York, we can assist clients with CPAP class action inquiries across the country. Call (845) 251-4545 now and request your free consultation with our CPAP recall lawyers.