Over 75 shoulder pain pump lawsuits were filed by the end of 2008 and legal experts say that additional lawsuits have already been filed this year. In fact, five additional lawsuits were recently filed in Arizona by patients who also claim that shoulder pain pumps caused them to contract PAGCL.

PAGCL

PAGCL, or Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis, is a very painful condition caused by the deterioration of cartilage around the shoulder area. Patients with this condition experience symptoms including a decreased range of motion, shoulder stiffness/weakness, severe shoulder pain, a narrowing of the joint space in the shoulder area and Crepitus, which is a clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder.

Direct delivery procedure was not approved by FDA

The lawsuits claim that the direct delivery procedure of injecting painkillers directly into a patient’s shoulder joint was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, they allege that the FDA specifically turned down requests from manufacturers to promote direct delivery. However, manufacturers, as well as drug companies such as Astrazeneca, have been promoting that delivery system to doctors – which has caused hundreds of patients to develop PAGCL. Claimants also say that these companies knew about the risks of PAGCL, but failed to warn them.

Pain pump manufacturers named in the product liability litigation include Stryker, I-Flow, Donjoy and Bregg.

Product liability cases will not be consolidated

The product liability cases that have already been filed will not be consolidated according to a multi-district panel chaired by Judge John Heyburn II. In deciding not to consolidate the cases, Heyburn reasoned that there were too many different types of pain pumps and pain pump manufacturers involved. Therefore, pain pump lawsuits will go forward individually. The first trial begins in February 2009.

If you’ve been injured due to a shoulder pain pump, contact an experienced shoulder pain pump attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.