If your child has a cochlear implant, he or she may be at an increased risk of bacterial meningitis infection. If illness occurs, you may be entitled to compensation for damages depending on the circumstances of the case.
Cochlear Implants & Meningitis
A cochlear implant is a medical device designed to allow people who are deaf or who have very limited hearing to hear by stimulating nerves. The device is implanted underneath the skin behind the patient’s ear. Some implants have a part known as a positioner that keeps the device in place, and implants with this part carry a higher risk of bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness that affects the spine and brain. It causes dangerous symptoms and can lead to death if not treated in time. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the increased risk of meningitis with cochlear implants and recommends monitoring children who use these devices, whether they include a positioner or not. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even recommend that those with these devices follow pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for other at-risk groups.
In some cases, a lawsuit for product liability may be filed if your child develops an infection as a result of the use of one of these products. This depends on the specifics of the case, which should be discussed thoroughly with an attorney who handles these cases.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer on Long Island
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, we will give you the legal guidance you need if you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another person or company. Call (800) 246-4878 today to discuss the specifics of your case to determine if you may have a claim for damages if a cochlear implant led to a meningitis infection.
