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Pumps are becoming a more frequently used method for managing pain. While these pumps do offer effective pain relief, they have also been associated with some severe side effects and complications, including nerve and cartilage damage.
If you or a loved one has experienced injuries caused by one of these medical devices, a Louisville pain pump malpractice lawyer can help you understand any rights Kentucky law may give you to pursue compensation. If you want to discuss your case with an attorney, our legal team here at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC is ready to speak with you. Consultations with lawyers in our office are always free, so reach out to us now.

Why Doctors Use These Medical Devices on Patients
Pain pumps, also known as infusion pumps, are small medical devices designed to deliver pain medication directly into a targeted area.
These are often used post-surgery, such as after operations on the shoulder or knee, to help manage severe pain in those specific areas. They offer fast and substantial pain relief, especially for those who want to avoid taking high doses of pain medications orally. The direct administration of medication to the specific area that’s experiencing pain allows pain pumps to effectively reduce that discomfort and helps patients recover with less discomfort.
A recent study published by ScienceDirect details how the success rate for pain pump implantation, when measured by its ability to reduce the need for oral medication, is 68%.
Pain Pump Injuries and Risks
Pain pumps are generally designed to be safe, but some risks and side effects can arise based on how the pump is used or due to defects in the pump itself. The most serious and well-documented injury linked to pain pumps is cartilage damage, particularly in joints where the pump administers medication. Other concerns that have been associated with these medical devices include:
- Post-Arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL): This is a degenerative condition that destroys cartilage in the shoulder joint. PAGCL can occur when a pain pump is used to deliver anesthetic medication directly into the shoulder joint space, leading to extreme discomfort, restricted movement, and often requiring multiple surgeries.
- Nerve Damage: In some cases, the medication from the pain pump can damage nearby nerves, causing numbness, weakness, or chronic pain in the affected area. This can be debilitating and negatively affect a patient’s ability to return to work or even accomplish everyday activities.
- Infections and Pump Malfunctions: Pain pumps can also lead to infections if they’re not maintained properly. Also, if a pain pump malfunctions, it could end up delivering incorrect doses, creating the potential for dangerous overdoses or underdoses of pain medication.
- Permanent Joint Damage: In addition to cartilage loss, some patients experience general joint deterioration due to pain pump use, leading to restricted mobility and chronic pain.
John Hopkins Medicine lists infection and cerebrospinal fluid leak as possible side effects associated with these devices as well.
Because of these risks, pain pump injuries often lead to lifelong consequences. Many patients require additional surgeries, physical therapy, or chronic pain management after sustaining injuries from a pain pump. In these cases, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming.
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Pain Pumps?
Determining all parties that might be liable in a pain pump case can be a complicated and difficult process, often involving multiple parties. Here’s a breakdown of the potential parties who may be held responsible for injuries caused by pain pumps:
- Manufacturers: The company that manufactured the pain pump may be held liable if it’s proven to be defective or was released without sufficient usage warnings. If manufacturers don’t conduct adequate testing or ignore safety concerns, they should be held accountable for any injuries that result from their negligence.
- Medical Providers: Surgeons or doctors who administered the pain pump could also be liable if they failed to follow safe usage guidelines. If a doctor misuses a pain pump, they bear responsibility for the results.
- Hospitals and Clinics: There are also cases when the medical facility where the procedure was performed is liable if they didn’t maintain the proper protocols or unsanitary conditions contributed to an infection.
Establishing liability in a pain pump case requires a thorough investigation into each party’s role. An experienced Louisville pain pump lawyer can help you gather the evidence necessary to determine who should be held responsible and, if they determine you have a viable claim, assist you in building a strong case on your behalf. If you’d like an attorney to assess your case, give us a call or email us to arrange for a complimentary case evaluation now.
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How a Louisville Pain Pump Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
An experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in pain pump cases can be an invaluable asset to the success of your case, providing legal guidance and fighting for your best interests in insurance negotiations or courtroom settings.
Some of the ways that an attorney can help if you’re considering filing a claim include:
- Evaluating Your Case: Pain pump cases require an in-depth and detailed understanding of both medical and product liability law. Your attorney will review your related medical records, consult with medical and other experts in the field, and evaluate the strength of your case and its likelihood of success.
- Gathering Evidence: Proving liability is the key to winning your case, and your lawyer will gather evidence from a variety of sources like medical records, witnesses, expert testimonies, and any relevant documentation the manufacturer may have regarding the pain pump.
- Negotiating With Insurers and Defendants: Many pain pump cases settle out of court. A skilled lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Preparing for Trial (if Necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be reached out of court, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial before a judge or jury. They’ll prepare your case, present evidence, call upon relevant experts, and advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
A pain pump lawyer understands the specific challenges involved in these cases, including the need for technical and medical evidence to prove liability. With the right lawyer in your corner, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and be secure in the knowledge that your interests are being protected.
Compensation in Pain Pump Injury Cases
If you are the victim of pain pump injuries in Louisville, you may be eligible for multiple types of financial compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover medical costs associated with the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the injury has impacted your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries also affect your future earning capacity, your lawyer will help estimate these potential losses, as well.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life can also be awarded. This type of compensation acknowledges the significant impact the injury has had on your life.
- Loss of Consortium or Companionship: If your injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or family, compensation for these losses may be available.
Your attorney will help assess the full range of damages in your case and pursue a compensation amount that truly reflects the total cost of your injuries.
Let McCoy & Hiestand, PLC Help You Seek Justice for Your Preventable Health Setback
If you’ve suffered injuries due to using a pain pump, seeking legal assistance can be an essential step in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Pain pump injuries can be traumatic and life-altering, and the process of holding manufacturers or healthcare providers accountable for negligence can be extremely complicated.
At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, our attorneys can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate this process successfully while still allowing you to focus on recovery.
Working with a Louisville pain pump malpractice lawyer on our team can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s take action to secure a better future for you and your family.

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