LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Torkzadeh Law Firm (TorkLaw) announced today that they are continuing to accept St. Jude Medical defibrillator and Riata Lead cases nationwide.  TorkLaw is currently involved in litigation against St. Jude Medical on behalf of patients and families of those who have been injured as a result of the defective St. Jude Defibrillator and Riata Leads. 

On December 14, 2011, after an extensive investigation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a major recall for the St. Jude Medical Defibrillator and Riata Leads.  The FDA noted premature insulation failure with the potential to cause serious injury or death in patients who have the implanted device.  TorkLaw is involved in all aspects of the investigation and St. Jude Riata Leads lawsuits.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE ST. JUDE MEDICAL RIATA LEADS?

The defective St Jude Medical Riata Leads have been found to have premature erosion of the insulation around the leads, causing the device to malfunction or what is called externalization.  There have been reported incidents of errant shocks, failure to deliver, infection and abnormal pacing.  Injuries range from emergency surgery to replace the defective devices and extract the leads, to catastrophic permanent injuries and even death. 

"There are approximately 80,000 St. Jude Riata leads implanted in patients in the U.S. alone.  Over 200,000 additionally distributed worldwide.  As we continue to pursue litigation against St. Jude Medical, Inc., our goal is to protect as many patients as possible while holding St. Jude accountable," said founding partner Reza Torkzadeh.

WHAT ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE DEVICES

In an investigative report by the Wall Street Journal entitled "St. Jude Riata Heart-Device Flaws Known for Years," doctors familiar with the inside-out abrasion say they knew about the problems as early as 2006 and that St. Jude encountered the Riata problems as early as 2005. In the same report, St. Jude repeatedly told doctors that the defective leads were "isolated incidents."

"There are published reports that are now shining a bright light on what St. Jude knew about their defective leads in 2005.  It is unfortunate that the world's largest heart device manufacturer, with over $5 billion dollars in sales in 2011, chose profits over the safety and well-being of their patients," said Torkzadeh.

The Heart Rhythm Society in Boston conducted a study in which 25% of the St. Jude Riata leads had pierced through the insulation.  This is an alarming number putting countless patients in danger. 

HOLDING ST. JUDE MEDICAL ACCOUNTABLE

TorkLaw is a product liability law firm with more than 35 years of combined legal representation on behalf of those who have been injured or killed by defective products.  TorkLaw is currently accepting St. Jude Defibrillator & Riata Leads cases nationwide including the St. Jude Riata ST Optim and St. Jude Durata leads.  If you or a loved one have a St. Jude Medical device implanted and have been injured call now for a free consultation 888.222.8286.

SOURCE The Torkzadeh Law Firm