Medtronic Agrees To Pay $268 Million To Settle Personal Injury Recall Lawsuit Claims Against Medtronic Over Recalled Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Leads.
A settlement has been reached in a mass tort personal injury recall lawsuit against Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic” or “Defendant”), alleging among other things that the recalled Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads (i.e., wires or cables used to connect hearts to implantable defibrillators that provide shocks to the heart when needed to try to stop potentially deadly rhythm disruptions) were defective since they were fracture-prone and could crack, according to a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Leads personal injury recall lawsuit settlement news report.
There are reportedly an estimated 8,100 Sprint Fidelis Leads personal injury recall cases filed or served against Medtronic that may be eligible to participate in the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Leads settlement.
If You Have Thoughts On The Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Leads Recall Lawsuit Settlement, Share Your Recall Settlement Comments Below.
Toria while your glass maybe half full mine is not.My grandmother finally passed away in Sept. this year after fighting these bastards for 5 years she didnt even get to see any money in the end because she died before it ended.And then they have the nerve to award her 2000.00 after suffering infection after in ifection and being on antibiotics constantly for the past few years sometimes i.v. for a month at a time that still didnt stop the infections and several of the dr.s told me over the years that they probably stem from the first staph infection she got in her chest that became stastemic from revising the first faulty lead.But they are saying the lead became “dislodged” not fractured so medtronic isnt responsible.So drink up guess your glass is half full if you didnt go through any of this….
Lance, Very sorry for your Grandmother…and for your loss. Did your Grandmothers infections have a rash that looked like ringworm?My husband developed this rash and the Drs. couldn’t or wouldn’t explain it.
No it never looked like a rash it became internal infections like the tissue around her heart then would spred to any kind of scratch or sore she might have then lungs or whatever area was weak at the time.
Wow where do I begin! First off I am so sorry for all of those who lost a family member or friend due to this recall! I too have had the leads and have had them replaced shortley after recall. And with leads still in, the area is often red and rashy also. Also lost a friend that did not know untill it was too late. My leads are still in there and attached and capped. Does this cause other illnesses, Yes. But doctors dont know why. Do the lawyers and judges really understand how this affects us all. NO! We have deadlines, they should too. Im sure we all have heard the same lines,”still waiting for the JUDGE”! Well Judge, Are you sleeping at night. Im not. Neither are alot of us. I pray everyday that no matter what, I want to live! But everyday that goes by and they have not taking thier responsibility for the people, It kills me inside. PAY UP MEDTRONIC JUDGE!
Lance,
Sorry that your Grandmom suffered so much.
As for the lead “dislodging”, everything I’m reading says that the lead gets locked in place and can’t be removed safely. Sounds like a cover-up to me! Who do we turn to in a situation like this?
Another Poster “J” suggests trying to get the news media involved, sounds good to me! I intend to do just that! Good luck in your endeavor, Al..
Just received the awards letter and like everybody else we are not happy with it. But and there is always a but due to the Reigel vs Medtronic ruling by the Supreme Court it is more than we thought we would receive. One of the biggest travesties is that our lawyers did not look out for our interests only theirs. It started right at the beginning when the date for joining this action was extended so that the lawyers could sign up more people. Next was we had 8100 litigants at 1st and Medtronic said that was a smaller number than they originally thought so they appealed to the judge to reduce the award amount from 268 million to 220 million. Lo and behold the number goes up to 14000 litigants but the award amount stays the same. Where were our lawyers for that bit of trickery? We have to payback under the subrogation laws because we cannot profit from collecting a settlement and having our insurance pay legitimate bills that were submitted. Funny thing that the lawyers are profiting from the operations we are having to payback but they do not have to share any of their settlement fees. No operation no fees to collect since we would only be collecting the $1000 registration fee. From the beginning it has always been about signing up as many as possible and hope for the best in a settlement. One thing that I think they owe us is a accounting of the settlement, just how many of what class and any EIF funds that are distributed. Sorry to be so long winded tonight. Wishing everybody the happiest of Holidays that they can have.
Larry, My original letter from my Attorney dated last Nov. Said they expected 15000 people. The print media screwed this whole thing up by saying 8100 people and averaged 33000 dollars. Many things were said that weren’t true, but most of it was caused by the print media. I don’t agree with everything the lawyers have done, but everything I see on these sites have been told me by my attorney long before it showed up here or other sites. There were not surprises other than the Garrettson Group’s role. That was a result of Judge Rosenbaum’s decision.
Hey Plavi, inasmuch as you are having a ‘slow’ weekend and given your ability to chew up case law and transform it into a Chia Pet and just in time for Hanaka to boot, mayhaps you could chew on something I’ve pondered but not reached a realistic conclusion about as of yet. Preemption, good for your flowers or just another Kardashian bimbo smellin real good but apt to leave a rash ? Seriously Plavi have you tried to weigh the supposed good resulting from preemption and the potential horrors it can cause ? Martin Luther King Jr was a genius in the practical use of “notice”, you know the salient part of the ‘due process clause’ of the 14th Amendment. And since the 14th’s federal first cousin, the 5th contains said clause, would it be a stretch too far to conclude that NOYICE would likewise be one of the requisite building blocks of that structure called PREEMPTION ? And while I do not know your situation when you were the respondent to the ICD sales pitch resulting in you becoming part of our special little club. But I do know I went to an emergency room, filled out the intake questionaire , stating my ‘problem was bruising of the knees and elbows and when pressed explained my little ‘passing out events’ growing both more frequent and messy. So they take me in for an EKG (my first at 61) and while on the table I swoon into a gran mal “V-Tac” episode. So when the staff cardiologist sez “Boy, yew need one o them ICD thingys or you WILL NOT wake up one day real soon. I did not know ‘preemption’ from a football bat but I did know I was gackin without some medical help. Notice ? We don gotta show you no stinkin notice. As usual I am incapable of asking a simple question, but when one considers the lack of notice of this preemption in the light provided by the U.C.C.’s provisions regarding ‘boiler plate’ contracts, I just get the feeling that ultimately one would or should be given at least a ‘Miranda’ like notice of what one is getting into. Thanks for being around Plavi and please blow a large hole in my logic. Or not
Please let it go David. I understand all that and the fricking MDSA NEEDS TO BE PASSED. I hope that happens sooner than later. I probably won’t be here later
Plavixman, while they may of expected 15000 there would not had been if they stuck to the original cutoff date for joining the legal action. Reason given was that some of the lawyers did not send in the paperwork on time or it had to be redone. If we screwed up any of our paperwork we did not get a “mulligan” to fix it. I agree with you in that I do not agree with all that was done but bottom line as long as there was Reigel vs Medtronic in our way I am happy with any amount that we get. I do think that Grisham’s book “The King of Torts” should be required reading for anybody that gets involved in this type of litigation.
I understand what your saying Larry. They did carry way too long. about 5 months. I had heard that everyone of these damn things turn out the same way. The people always gets screwed.
who is this judge. how oes he knows how each individual case is. yes, the goverment should look into this case and allow each individual to present there case in person. know it is time consuming doing it this way but all of us got mess over. in my case I was notified by my attorney that they will not charge me any fees because of the judge decision. I will get registration money.
Award Letters fine. That was weeks ago! NOW WHAT?
what media? u guys never said 1 right thing…except we would all be screwed!! it’s over , stop,fight or sign and good luck to all
ONE LAST THING, GOODBYE ALL. I AM DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Talked to the attorney today. I am to recieve 20,000 minus 1,000 for having the lead for a year, minus 40% attorney fees, minus 1,000 for cost. Also they are only relesing 60% at this time and witholding 40% for any future claims arising from insurance companies. I have been told that the judge will approve anyone who accepted on the 19th. The attorneys however due to the holidays wont be sending out the checks till January. I figure when all is said and done I might end up with 6,000 in January and maybe 4,000 some time by spring. You know if the insurance companies have not notified the attornies after all this time then they are poop out of luck. Also there is no reason to wait till after the holidays to dispurse funds. I would like to have a nice holiday too. Well thats my update and venting session for now.
Have any of you hired “Trey Allen” out of Texas as your attorney? If so, have you had any correspondence?
I am completely confused, please can someone help me understand….
My husband was shocked 10 times in a row by this machine due to the leads leaving his heart 70% damaged. That was after they just took out the machine itself for being on recall and when he had cardiac arrest the machine didn t work. When he signed into this settlement they sent out a packet with paperwork to sign and notarize and send back in with the paperwork were packets one of them being exhibit 1 disclosure form stating the categories 1, 2 & 3 in which how much one will get depending on injuries, not to mention $1000 sign on bonus. Well we just recieved the letter of settlement amount yesterday and it said he is only getting $1000 and they are withholding 1/2 for attorney fees and other fees ect…. that means we waited 4 years for $500 there has got to be a mistake or we have just been used to make the attorneys richer. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!!! THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMETHING WE CAN DO.
Laura, my heart goes out to you and your husband at this time. I hope this will not trigger comments from Plavixman, but at the risk of oversimplifying a very unsimple situation I must remind you of the old axiom “if something appears to be too good to be true, it probably is”. When in October of 2010 Medtronic announced the seemingly charitable $268million “giveaway” to compensate the victims of its “outsourcing” of parts
No i’m not settling for that they put a machine in him on his 1st surgery that didnt deliver the shocks when need took him in on emergency surgery installing a dual faulty lead then it shocked him 10 times, these lawyers arent giving him a lousy $1000 in which they keep 1/2 leaving him with $500 NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!
David, Please don’t be unfair about what you say about me. I feel for anyone who has been thru what her husband has. Please don’t put words in my Mouth. There has to be something here that was never explained by his lawyer, like the original leads were not fidelis and the replacement were. It is sad, but I have already seen this several time. It is very unfortunate. Laura, I wish the best for you and your husband. Me personally, would find another lawyer to look into what you signed vs. what you thought you signed last Oct. I personally think there was two different type leads, and Medtronic’s settlement was only for the fidelis. Good Luck
They were sprint fidelis leads. Were there any discretions as far as turning equipment off completely or capping, ect…? or is this something new?
Plavixman-DONE??? Nah! You can’t leave – you know too much!! The “what you signed vs. what you thought you signed last October” comment? There it is there. What was represented to everyone has been tossed and replaced with a bunch of $*#%! There’s GOTTA be a law against that?!?!
Laura
My mother was shocked about 10 or 11 times all day long by this thing in the emergency room and the hospital. Each time got worse and she thought she was dying and it knocked her out each time. She is getting 1000.00 also. I think this is the attorneys fault for not filing the proper paperwork or getting all of her medical records from that incident but its to late to do anything they have already saw to that.
Terri, the day your Mom was in the hospital and received all the shocks did medronic rep come in and turn her lead off?
You may want to check into this infomation if your not sure.
Our Law Office informed us afterward that they had no record of what they did after my husband was shocked. So we went back to the Dr for more records and found the letter where they stated they turned it off, they said they have to submit it back through the committee.
Laura
I AM FULLY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS AWARD. SOMEONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO AN INVESTIGATION IN THIUS MATTER. ONLY ONES THAT GOT JUSTICE WAS ATTORNEYS, METRONICS AND JUDGES. IT IS A SHAME THAT FDA DIDNOT DO ANYTHING TO REWARD THE INDIVIDUALS PROPERLY. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO APPROVE THESE WIRES.. I JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL DUE TO MY HEART RATE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. MEDTRONIC REP CAME TO MY HOSPITAL AND CHECK THE SETTINGS. MY RHYTHEM WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND MY DEFIB DIDNOT WORK TO SHOCK MY HEART WITH MY RYTHEM PROBLEMS. THEY HAD TO SHOCK ME TO RESET THE HEART. ALSO THEY HAD TO DO”TEE PROCEDURE” FOR BLOOD CLOTS. SO , IN ESSENCE THE MEDTRONIC PROBLEMS HAS BEEN COVERED UP AND NO ONE IS DOING US RIGHT. SO, ALL YOU LAWMAKERS IN MINNEAPOLIS SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND GET AMENDED RULING. IT IS A SHAME SOMEONE GETS HURT OR BURN AT MCDONALDS AND RECEIVED SETTLEMENT IN THREE FIGURES. SO, ALL OF YOU LAWMAKERS SHOULD GET TOGETHER AND REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION ON THE LEADS. CHUCK
Sorry to hear of your difficulties, but if your heart rhythm problem was due to an abnormal rhythm that the defibrillator was not designed to detect and treat or if there was no problem with the Medtronic wire that the class action addressed, then Medtronic is not liable.
I only qualify to receive the $1000.00 minus atty. fees even though I had to have a defibrillator and a wire extracted and replaced only three months after a new defibrillator was put in. As it turned out the wire that was removed was from when I had the first defibrillator installed in 1999. When the defibrillator was replaced in the summer of 2006, no wire was replaced then. They just used the same lead. Three months later however, they determined that the wire was fractured. At that time they replaced both the defibrillator and the wire. When attorneys contacted me in 2007 about the problem with the Medtronic leads, it was my understanding that the lead replaced was the recalled lead, but near the conclusion of the case, I found out that the fractured lead was not the recalled lead. The lead that I have had in me now for over five years now is the one that this case addressed. So far there has not been a problem with this lead, to my knowledge. I think the attorneys knew this about me and probably others all along, but they wanted to keep us motivated to do the paperwork and to present a stronger case. I would not have been as disappointed if they would have been upfront about where we stood as far as what kind of money to expect. I don’t know about you all, but I have made some financial decisions based on the anticipation of a certain amount of money.
These defibrillators WERE designed to treat all heart rythym problems.The key to the treatment was the Rep. that programmed the ICD.The Company knew the wires were defective, but the FDA approved the leads and the Company still sold these leads and said defective leads were still implanted.So YES, they are 100% responsible for all the people affected!!!I think a lot of us made some financial plans at one time or another,But we all got the short end of it.This whole deal is an insult,slap in the face.How about the people that died…are they going to exhume bodies to prove the wire was intact?Ya think!
How can you be sure the first wire wasn’t a recall? It’s their word against everyone.
I found out the model number of the lead, and searched the internet for the initial defibrillator and lead. I was not able to find any indication that the initial lead nor the defibrillator were thought to be defective or was recalled. If you don’t have the documentation that there was a problem, you don’t have a good legal basis for a repeal. Whether you feel you were unfairly treated or there is a moral basis for conpensation, it does not matter as far as the law is concerned.
Fortunately, for me I have not received any inappropriate shocks at this time. Futhermore , my functional level is very good, with virtually no physical limitations. My last appropriate shock was about six or seven years ago. When I learned about the trouble that many of you have experienced, I feel like I don’t have as much of a right to complain as many of you.
avictim,
Re-called Lead wire numbers would be found on the blue card that was mailed, or given to you after the implant procedure took place.
Look for #’s 6930, 6931,6948, and 6949.
Be thankful if you don’t find one of these numbers!
Laura,
One Poster “J” suggested contacting the news media. No harm in trying!
Laura
The only thing we can do now is on to the new with what they are doing to all of us it not fair. That what they call it blind justice. Good luck to you and your family.
Well, spoke at length with two people at my attorney’s firm.. first, the RN who is medical records procurer and with the associate attorney. Bad news to anyone who did not have documentation of problems in medical records! I am ticked at my doc and his group! They did nothing to document my complaints. Not even that I am slowly getting more paranoid about my pacer/lead(s)! Even when I complained how my pacer shocked me twice! So…. this puts me in Category 1, what is called a “nuisance” claim. Yup, just a nuisance is what we are called! There will probably more money later on, but who really knows! They dug and dug through all my records and no problems noted! So what do I do? Nothing but wait for a check for $600 out of the $1000 and be happy. Guess it is better than nothing…
Came to conclusion from the attorney that we need to totally blame the FDA who is run mostly by pharmaceutical companies for not properly labeling the leads! Yup, the attorney feels we all got screwed. Of course, they got their money, but if I got only $1000, they will only make money off all other substantial claims. Yup, it sucks, but then what political/government-connected agency doesn’t??
If this thing ever kills me, I prefer that my case give the money to charity to help those less fortunate. Heaven knows my kids don’t deserve it… Sorry, just venting!
JUST THOUGHT YOU ALL MIGHT BE VERY INTERESTED IN THIS ITEM:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/business/medtronic-agrees-to-23-5-million-settlement-in-kickback-case.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto
JUST COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER! VERY VERY INTERESTING READ AND MAKES ME WONDER NOW IF WE CAN HIT OUR DOCTORS UP OR HIT MEDTRONIC UP WITH FRAUD ON OUR PART???
Well, as I hit send for my message, it turned the link into a clickable link. So just click on it. and don’t worry about copy/paste! At least something worked for me…
Plavixman can I send you a private email to your email? or you to mine? I have another question thats alittle more private.
Laura, Friend me at Facebook, Bob Puckett Snellville, ga
Simply the worst scenario one could imagine with this suit. I was hoping to get my award by the end of year, lawyer says probably only 40 perecent would be allocated by yr’s end and the other 60 perecnt would be held for atty’s fees and liens……….What bull they had mths to explore the lien issue, and they want to prolong it for another 4 mths or so. At first the most we were suppose to pay for med liens was 20 perecent with the garretson law firm that was hired to get med liens as low as possible, now the liens may go up to 40 perecnt ? these lawyers are really something, how could they tell us medicare liens would top off at 20 perecnt max, and now they’re saying possibly 40 perecnt ????????? any one else have any more info on this…..So disgusted. I have to wait to possibly March for the rest of my award. so aggravating.
Jerry, The Judge overseeing this whole mess, Judge Kyle, decided to hold back the 40% for medical liens. This was something the lawyers had no control over. Anyone who has had the lead replaced is in the same boat. At this point there is nothing anyone can do. However, 20% of award is the most they can take. GO FIGURE!
I just go off the phone with one of my lawyers and was told they don’t know noting. I was told the judge still have the case. I was told in September the we would have some money for Christmas. I now know that what tell you is all lies. We all would have been better off if we had just deal with Medtronic our Self.
So agree with you! Thinking about goin to Minn. and get tour of Medtronics. Maybe even see about thier QC. Wait if they had QC this all would not have happened. They should put us the people who test these out daily on payroll. What do you all think? Please message me if you want to chat on FB Susan Rich, Arvada Colorado. Another thing what about my friend who lost her husband? They just forgot about her. So who are we really? A test from day one. Thanks
Pretty sad all the injured people,the dead people can’t collect for their injuries because certain things were’nt documented.Everyone slipped through the cracks, how convenient.I recently joined a classaction for “lawnmowers”,and collected more than what I will receive from this one.Unreal!!As long as this case took, the attorneys would’ve had ample time to research,just wasn’t gonna happen.It is what it is…”Merry Christmas to ALL,God Bless each and everyone! And Thank the LORD for everyday we’re on this earth!
All this settlement trouble shows President Reagan was correct when he changed from democrat to republican (democat party changed from helping average people to helping only the rich). In President Bush’s last term Democrat senate installed a bill that Ted Kennedy wrote that made it illegal to sue manufacture’s for any medical device that is defective. The senate was changed to democrat from republican during President Bush’s last term that is still the case now with cost of everything skyrocketing! and is why we recieve next to nothing for our medical device being defective.
Dennis, I wasn’t going to post anymore on this blog, but your comments got my blood boiling. YOU ARE MIS-INFORMED. The law that Kennedy wrote was back in the 70’s. It was co sponsored by a Republican. The intent was to do just the opposite of what the Supreme Court Ruled. After the Supreme court ruling Kennedy introduced a bill, known as the MDSA to correct his first bill. It has went no further than holding a couple of committee hearing. I am a die hard Republican, just get the facts right. If this Damn bill had been passed (MDSA) we would not have had to settle for this measly sum.
Spent 20 yrs and 29 days serving this country. I never claim to be a democrat or republician, but it one thing that I am and that is a die heart American. Both of the parties serve no useful purpose, but to divide and conquer. They call us sheep, because we act like sheep (following the blind). America need to change and believe me it is.
i think we all got screwed…except the lawyers and judge
Called the lawyer yesterday. We haven’t had any word for three months. We were told not to expect any information until the end of January. Some have posted that they know their award and we still are in the dark. Makes one wonder what is going on.
Has anyone heard of being placed in categories such as…A, B, I, J, or K
after you received you award letter? I thought there were only 3 categories.
Sorry, as I posted yesterday, we know nothing. My husband’s lead fractured, 20+ shocks that night, ER, ICU, lazer surgery to explant the fractured lead and a new lead placed. That was in 2010. His EF after that trauma was 15 %. We have no clue about what catagory. Frustrating.
laura
yes i received my settlement letter and was place in tier A, based on the number of shocks I received.
A(1-10) $7500
B(11-19) $10,000
C(20-30) $12,500
D(31-49) $15,000
E(50+) $20,000)
Hope this help
I don’t know where these lettered categories come into this. There was never any mention of lettered categories to be placed in until after the award letter was received. I can understand them making A, B, C, D, ect… but sporatic lettering like A, B, I, J & K where is there any rhythm to that? To be placed in category B which entitles you to nothing but $1000 sign on bonus. Something is wrong with this.
let me correct that WILL get 1000.00 have not seen any money as of yet.
my mother received between 10-12 shocks from this thing throughout the day into the night in the ER, then got blood clots had to go to the nursing home for a stay, she got 1000.00
I fault her attorney as I said for not getting her proper medical records. I typed a letter up and put on front of the paperwork detailing this incident and they did nothing about it.
My husband was shocked multiple times,of course the device didn’t record it,died,and because he died he gets tier 1.How’s that for fair…You’re very lucky,hope you collect without any problems.
Does anyone know how much the layers are gonna hold back initially ?
I heard probably 60 percent. That is not right, as they had ample time for liens etc, what a crock this whole thing turned out to be.
40+9+1+9=59%
I hope each and every family had a good Christmas and try and put some of what going on with the Medtronic off of their mind for just that one day. I know this is what I did after reading what going on in some of our life due to what have went on in our life. I just tank GOD for still being in my right mind after Medtronic!
Diana
same as everyone else I had the bad wires placed in my chest i was walking over to my sisters and they broke and severly shocked me and was in hospital over a week, and had to be put on heart transplant list, which sucks lawyers, insurance, gets all the money even though they didnt have to be put on morphine, almost be paralysed in one side, and be put on transplant list, I figured out i will hardly make anything out of the settlement.
After doing a lot of reading with what is going on I would not like to be a part of Medtronic, Judges, or Attorney when it come time to stand before GOD. This is when the will pay for how they have done us all. So we all need to put this behind us, and just let our story be told to anyone that will listen. Each and every day I pray for each person the Medtronic life have been touch. So each person the has been hurt just remember when you get to HEAVEN YOU WILL HAVE A WHOLE BODY FREE OF PAIN, OR HURT!
DIANA
PLEASE EVERYONE I HOPE WE ALL APPEALED THIS
These values or amounts take nothing into consideration!!! I am a young man compared to the average pacer recipient, and I am now out of work for the rest of my life because of serious complications during multiple surgeries to correct the MEDTRONIC lead.
Now that we (Wife, Kids & myself) know that we are going to be loosing the house, maybe one vehicle, life savings etc… I now have to try to find a job that will match my health level … and that is near impossible. My income dropped to less than a 1/8 of what i used to make in the computer world. Kind of like trading your BMW for an 80’s Chevette and trying to drive it the same way. If we all appeal then maybe they might get a hint. OR the lawyers can put all us on the payroll, and then we can get the millions we all deserve.
J,
I agree that something should be done. But who do we turn to?
Our Represenatives, Judges, Lawyers, and Medtronic all trashed us!
Medtronic’s Leagle team did a good job of expediting and retaining control, you would be lucky to get a Lawyer to take your case!
I see that over one hundred people have died due to a re-called lead problem to date. I wonder, will I be next?
Be interesting to know how many Lawyer Family Members are included, and what kind of a settlement they recieved, ya think? Sorry about your situation, we’re all in the same boat. Don’t give up, keep on top of the issue, and think twice before getting involved in another “Class action” thing!
I wish you and your family the best in these trying times, Al..
PS: Catch up to my Posting on 1-11-2012, if they approve it!
Well, I called my lawyer’s office today and was told my case falls into Group I – $1000.00….I asked that it made no difference that my husband was shocked 180 times then died…she said since the leads had not been replaced or machine removed and that the doctors and the “Medtronic” Rep that came to the hospital to check the machine put in the record that the machine was working appropriately that his heart was just giving out was why it kept firing…..so whatever is left out of the $1000.00 will be it. Good luck to everyone…have a safe and Happy New Year!!!
Dear J, So very sorry for all your misfortune…but we have no appeal.We all signed the same paperwork,they don’t care one way or the other about who’s suffering and who’s not.They settled their way only because they knew we would be getting next to nothing.Good Luck to you and God’s speed!
Spoke with atty today he said they are awaiting judge to allocate some money…………Comedy continues…………He could not say what percentage would be allocated, medicare liens could be 40 perecent so possibly would only see 40 percent of settlement now, you would think these liens and other issues coulda been solved mths ago. Sad situation we are in…………anyone hear anything else ?????????
you people just don,t know what to to , we have to do something that will be heard, go stright to the judge,s headquaters, and make some noise until we are shown everything. how many people were invloved.what from of math did they use to figure out the percentagefor each person to get .all it would take is 2nd grade math. wouldn’t you say. come on people let’s not give up. it’s time to fight, 803-366-8662
have anyone contacted a national news media, senators, reperesentatives, congressmen or anyone who can get the news out there about Medtronic. Medtronic is getting away with murder.
No someone needs to for sure. I don`t understand how they got away with this and where the hell all the money went to if the majority of people are receiving 1000.00 for their injuries.
One woman on this board said her husband died after being shocked multiple times and she is receiving 1000.00
I know some people will get more money and they sure enough did deserve it or maybe they really should have gotten more for having leads replaced for instance.
In my opinion no one got the amount they deserve it was not enough for the amount of money allocated for all these injuries.
Terri,
Talk about money , my first implant cost the Ins. Co $76,000 for an overnight stay, the second “replacement” implant cost them a little over $60,000. In both cases I was in the Hospital over night, and out the next day with no complications!
I got a letter from my attorney that basically says this: (it included a form to fill out)…
This letter informs me re: 1000$ settlement *of which I get 600* and that if I sign up with CareLink to monitor my pacer at home to record events, then if there are events that occur between 4/1/11 and within 7 yrs of 11/15/10, only if I satisfy CareLink requirements, I may submit supplemental claim form and seek add’l compensation. Must submit suppl. claim form during claim period in which future fracture or surgery occurs.
For future fractures or explants/capping of recalled Sprint Fidelis leads, I need to:
(1) during next reg visit to my doc to monitor my device, he will need to download the software for the Medtronic Lead Integrity Alert program into my device! This is, get this, at no charge from Medtronic! LOL, grrrrrr!
(2) enroll in Medtronic Carelink remote monitoring program, again free of charge from Medtronic
(3) Number 1 and 2 must be done within 180 days after payment of remaining sum by Medtronic
(4) Download and enrollment are both subject to professional judgment of physician regarding whether the alert program and Carelink are in my best medical interest to me, the patient.
(5) I must assert a claim relating to or arising out of Sprint Fidelis Lead implant no later than 180 calendrr days after payment by Medtronic.
ALSO, a Settlement Sheet outlining the settlement, costs and fees will be mailed to me when FUNDS ARE RECEIVED. I will have to sign the sheet before a notary public and return it to my atty so disbursement can be made to me.
Did any of you get this kind of interaction from your attorney??
It looks as if it will take months for me to get the $600… They took the $400 to repay Medicare…. At least they are giving me something!
Rather confusing about the 180 days thing… surely there is better explanation what that refers to.
I did find out that my complaints of being shocked were not documented by my physician which hurt my case. Because being shocked doesn’t always show up on a recorded history! And also, having symptoms that should require shocking to get into normal rhythm don’t always trigger the lead to work! So, I really did get screwed… mostly by my doc, who is one of this area’s best cardios. I don’t blame him due to negligence but to the reason he is always in a hurry and doesn’t really write down stuff as we talk! So next appt, I will be on his butt about this! I heard several of you reporting no documentation on part of the docs!
Those of us on Medicare and Medicaid are especially going to be shorted on better health care and going to experience less efficiency in the health care system, so buckle up and get ready for a really rocky road!
Sorry for the length of this note, but felt you all might be interested in some of the details because it will apply to all of you still using the Medtronic device/lead(s)!
Happy New Year to all of you, and may you be blessed with improved health and a better understanding of the way lawsuits seem to be working! It sure has opened my eyes even wider to corporate greed and the sad way the little guys (like us) are treated because of their power. I don’t blame the judges — it’s Medtronic and attorneys.
BTW, my attorney took no payment for my case as it awarded me so little. A big consolation to me and a deep respect for him and his staff! (FYI –The only money awarded to attorneys is their percentage! Not an across the board award by a judge!)
I THINK WE WERE ALL LIED TOO! THESE LAWYERS ARE A BUNCH OF SCUMBAGS, THEY GET THEIR CUT WE GET CUT OUT. QUESTION, HOW DO I KNOW THEY HAVE LIED TO US? ANSWER, ITS NOT HARD THEIR MOUTHS ARE MOVING!
Well, get this! I was surfing through the Houston Chronicle and lo and behold! what do I find? A reference to the death of my attorney in 2009! Apparently his office is still running, but slowly will be dissolved. His partners are running it. Guess that explains why I never dealt with him personally. Oh well, he was a swell guy and I bet if he were still alive, this suit for not only his clients but ALL members of the class suit would have been better served! JMHO…
JUST GOT A LETTER FROM MY ATTORNEY, WANT ME TO SIGN THAT THEY DID A GOOD JOB. WAS SHOCKED NUMEROUS TIMES, THEY CLAIM IT WAS A DISLODGEMENT. I THINK THEY DID A CRAPPY JOB, MEDTRONIC AGREED TO A TWO HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT AND THEY TOOK FOREVER TO GET IT DONE. NOW THEY TELL ME THAT WITH THE TIER ONE SETTLEMENT AND THE AMOUNT HELD BACK I WILL RECEIVE $ 175.83. ANY ONE ELSE GET A STUPID LETTER SUCH AS THIS. MAYBE I SHOULD JUMP ON THIS BEFORE IT GETS REDUCED. WHAT A CROCK! THINK I’M STUPID HELL NO, NO WAY I WILL ACCEPT THIS.
It’s a shame on so many levels what the attorneys and Medtronic are doing to us. Oh well, what can we do? I guess I’ll sit back, and chill while I wait for my poor little token check. I hope it’s enough so my wife and I can partake in a nice meal at Red Lobster.
$468.61 and 7 year warrenty is more then I would have gotten had medtronic held out one more day…
“medtronic held out one more day…” what would have happened?
The Appeals court would have denied the case and we wouldn’t have received the money we did get.
well i guess we are “Lucky” {insert very heavy sarcasm here} that didn’t happen.
I just set a letter to CNN. I don’t know what they will do. I just hope they will tell our story. How long we have to wait. I will keep writing to news stations. Someone else need to do the same. If we all start writing they will know something is up.
Diana
What did you say in your letter? Did you send via email or an actual letter?
I can`t send one as its my mothers case and she is in the nursing home, but I would sure say that others should do the same this is a miscarriage of justice to say the least.
Like I said where the hell did all the money go for all this? I don`t fault Medtronic, I fault the judge who doled out the money and the attorneys for NOT standing up for their clients and being on the take.
Was it not the judge who decided the dollar amounts, bet he got a huge cut of the money as did the committee of attorneys.
Yes you can Terri!! It is not your case but u can throw light on it!!!!
Morning Diana!
Yes I too sent one to our governor. What good it will do? Im still not done screamin, just I have not recieved anything yet. Always next week now. Instead it was Months, now its BEEN years. I aggree. Lets start a FB page? Susan Rich is me and I live in Colorado. I wish there was someone who would listen. We have voices. I pray next week for my check, im loosing stuff to pawn shop fast.! Have a blessed day everyone! God Speed
Susan,
The money is not the priority with me. I too have lived in fear of dying as a result of a “Re-called Lead” fracturing problem ever since I had my first Pac/Difib installed four years ago.
I was offered a $1000.00 compensation Settlement, and told the Lawyer to tell his Boss to shove it!
Two situations are bothering me, first, I had an up-graded device installed recently, and as mentioned before, the Doctor for unknown reasons re-connected the “Re-called” Lead wire to the new device, creating another situation pending evaluation..
Second, and a top priority at 75 yrs is to survive long enough to learn the true facts of what has been, and/or is now, going on behind the scenes concerning the Re-called Lead situation.
Unanswered questions are, is it possible that interested parties conspired to drag out a Settlement agreement allowing the two year “Statute of Limitations” to kick in, as a means of protecting those involved in the Re-called Lead Implant procedures?
Has, or is any associated party presently being compensated financially to serve Corporate desires, needs, or demands?
The opinion is that people have been harmed as a result fraud and deception, in interest of profits. Just my opinion..
Another problem is that people are posting complaints about this situation, while not taking action to correct any wrong doing!
Complaints via E-mail and/or letter could easily be directed to their State Represenatives, and or News Media.
The best to you in these trying times.
On friday I received my award letter and check for my settlement. My orginal settlement amount was 20,000. minus the use of the ICD which they deducted 4,000. My net settlement amount was 16,000 minus attorneys fees of 5,600 and the 40% hold back for medical liens. My first check was close to 4,000. They do not know when this lein process will be completed but it looks like that could be near the end of the year. I am not happy with the settlement amount because I wnet through alot with this lead. but what are you going to do. I do think that this story should be reported to the news for invrstagation.
$4000.00?
Wow, that’s a big check compared to what a lot of Folks are saying they expect to get.
What happened to qualifie you for the qenerous pay out,
what are the specifics?
Bye the way the firm that handle my case was Lieff,Cabraser,Heimann & Bernstein. I still thinks that these lawyer get too much but that the way it is.
This is the firm that represented me as well. Although i have received an award letter i haven’t received a check. Their attorney fees are a ridiculous 40%. Disgusting
what slimes……………you cant make this bullshit up, what these slimes have done to us………….How long does it take to discover a medicare lien. They had months to get this done. 40 perecnt taken out and held
Its a disgrace that these slimes can get away with this bullshit. iT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE TOPS 20 PERECNT ,Now the lawyer is saying there may be a 9 percent takeout in addition to the 40 perecnt for paper work pertaining to the settlement, anyone hear about that bullshit fee. WHAT AN INJUSTICE !!!!!!!!!! corrupt judges, etc, doctors getting kickbacks for implanting this unit. I didnt need it, but makes sense now, when doctor took the medtronic KICKBACK….
WE ALL NEED TO CONTACT THE NEWS AGENCY. PLEASE DO SO EVERYDAY!!
I had a Pace/ Defib device installed that was attached to a re-called lead in January, 2007. Had a heart attack three months later, and two additional since. At no time did the device give indication that a heart attack was about to take place, or had happened. Yep, no warning, no corrective action, even though A-fib was involved the device did nothing to protect me concerning either of the three heart Attacks!
I tried to no avail to convince the Dr. that I thought it might help to change the device. He did not agree, soooo, I changed Dr’s.. Don’t you know, the new Doc suggested changing the device to an improved upgraded version.
During June of 2011 the procedure took place, GUESS WHAT? The Doc. re-hooked the re-called lead up to the “up-graded” Pace/Defib. Having said this:
I need to mention that I too was offered a $1000.00 Settlement offer, and responded to it with a “SHOVE IT”.
The opinion is that the Judge, Lawyers, and Medtronic may have gotten in bed together! Did they have a plan, a conspiracy to protect Medtronic, Doctors and Medical Facilities involved from being accountable, simply by prolonging and delaying activity long enough for the two year “STATUTE of LIMITATIONS” to kick in? HUUUMM.
Hey, maybe I should quite down, who knows, somebody might be rattled enough to hit a computer “kill” switch that I am a hooked to. Darnit, I detest the thought that a device that was touted as being a life saver, may in reality be the actual cause of my death, they’ll probably call it “Comlications of”… I’m going down fighting mad! Medtronic be warned, it ain’t over yet!
They did the same thing to my mother switched out her pacemaker/defib unit for a newer one under the guise that the battery was going low but attached it to the same damn recalled Sprint Fidelis leads, a month later it defibbed her about 12 times throughout the day into the night while she was in the emergency room. She will get 1000.00
Terri,
If the Doctor re-installed the “Re-called” lead wire after being advised not to by Medtronic, you may want to talk to a Lawyer about filing a Malpractice charge against all involved in the replacement procedure.
Due to the fact that Medtronic dragged progress out for a long period of time, the two year Statute of Limitations protecting Doctors and Hospitals kicked in, protecting them from being accountable.
I suspect that when the Doctor in your Moms case re-attached the Recalled original lead, he may have canceled out the Statute of Limitations scenario, and his protection against liability.
Your Mother might want to pass this by a Private Attorney before you except the settlement talked about!
That’s exactly what I intend to do.. Good luck to you and yours.
She already had the recalled leads. They were never taken out as my mother is in such poor health it would kill her. Her leads are still the bad ones, never been replaced. But they did replace the pacemaker itself and attached it to the old leads that had been recalled.
Terri,
I understand what you are saying.
The big question is:
Why was’nt the Re-called Lead wire disconnected and “Capped” (inactivated) during the procedure?
There’s got to be something they are not telling us about going on here, something wrong with the picture!
No they did not re install the lead wire that was recalled it was already there. They replaced the pacemaker unit and attached it to the leads that were already in her body. They were the recalled leads.
AMEN!!! Want to go with to tour the factory? As soon as I get funds Im goin! Im pretty quiet now, only cause im affraid to get shocked. cant sleep. Wake up with nightmares of being shocked, or is it shocking me? Go in today to have Medtronic tech check battery and wires. Did i mention I have 3 sets in and only on hooked up. 66suerich@gmail.com Susan Rich on Facebook.
Have a blessed day Al! One day at a Time!
Sue
face book page may be a great idea!
i also have leads left in but from 20+ yrs ago!
THE ONES OF YOU THAT THINK THEY ARE GETTING $1000.00 YOU BEST WAKE UP ONLY $600.00 MINUS 40% THE LAWYERS GET MINUS ALL KIND IF FEES. IT WORKS OUT TO $175.83 THEN LATER DATE YOU WILL GET THE PITIFUL REMAINDER. WE ALL BEEN SCREWED ROYALLY. MAYBE LIKE ME ” CRAPEDONROYALLY.”
Anyone that had the bad lead replace from what I see would be the 20,000 rage of awardminus a deduction for each year you had a functioning device. My deduction was 4,000 so my net award was 16,000 minus lawyers fees which was around 5,800 which includes the 9% paperwork fee. 40% is helded for any medical leins. once that is cleared you will receive your 40%
The total amount that the lawyers and others working for them will be 80% of the total amount awarded to your lump sum .you get at the most 20 %. They hold 40% back on the mid summer amount also . This is our supreme court at its finest .
There are 479 mostly frustrated Posters here. Many are voicing and expressing a feeling of frustration, and hopelessness as a result of disappointing Legal Representation, and the “Take it or leave it” Medtronic Fidelis Lead Re-call Settlement offer.
I believe another Poster already suggested that maybe the News Media would appreciate being made aware of this scenario.
I’m thinking he might be right, maybe if those concerned enough to post a complaint about their thoughts here, would take the time to forward this collection of 479 complaints to local News Paper Publishing Companies via an E-mail, the outcome might change for the better.
The address below contains the information talked about here, and was E-mailed to several News Paper Co’s. as mentioned.
https://recallsinthenews.com/recall-settlements/medtronic-sprint-fidelis-leads-recall-settlement-of-personal-injury-lawsuits/#comments
DO NOT POST MY ENTRIES. THIS IS MY PERSONAL BELIEFS AND I DO NOT GIVE AUTHORITY TO POST OUTSIDE OF RECALL IN THE NEWS. DO WHAT YOU WISH PERSONALLY, LEAVE ME OUT OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS MY DAMN BUSINESS.
For starters, of course personal beliefs and opinions should always be respected.
As for the posting of anyone’s entries, there was never an indication, or intention of posting anything for, or about any Individual on this site.
In fact, the impression is that anything already posted here by a
Poster is considered”Public” information, subject to being reviewed by anyone and/or any Organizational Represenative who views this page, as long as the page exists.
The information refered to was posted, and directed to the attention of anyone who might be interested in bringing a considerably unjust situation to the attention of others outside of the box, namely the News Media, personal involvment is optional.
Sorry for any misunderstanding!
The internet is permanent, if do not want it out there don’t type it.
J,
Thanks for the tip, agreed, I also tried to tell another poster everything here is subject to Public viewing!
Personally, I could care less who reads what I have to say, insults, intimidation, or fear of retaliation is never a concern.
Ya can’t please everybody!
Facebook, HUUmmm, now that’s really putting the business out there! Too much gossip, don’t think I’ll go that way…
The best to you, Al..
I recieved an award letter in November saying that the judge would approve all payouts by Dec. 19. The letter said checks would go uot before the end of Dec. Called the attorney and they said they got the checks but the accountants have to deposit the checks, then balance the books, then remove attorney fees and cost, then cut a check for everyone. They said this could take a few weeks. Now deposit the checks in an intrest bearing account for a few weeks to make more money. Thats how lawyers operate. We are all getting the shaft with no one to hear our voice. Life stinks and then you get a medtrnic device.
Recieved distribution letter Sat. Says to sign and send back and they will cut check immediately and get it in the mail. Hold back is 40% for medical liens. I will get about 13% of award up front. What a joke!!!! But let me say, the guy that said we have to pay for time used is also a joke. NO SUCH DEDUCTION WAS ON MY LETTER.
My next device WILL NOT be a from Medtronic. Im not giving those bastards another dime!!
I agree,the 5% use per year is a rip off, but here is an idea. Under the Federal Trade Deceptive Act, anyone that has services or good can be sued when they misrepresent themselves in goods and service. Since this was not mentioned previously and the 5% was pocketed by so greedy unknown, we should all request that the 5% per year be returned because FTDA was violated.
Has anybody gotten an answer as to why there is a 40% holdback for possible liens when we were bum rushed into signing up with the Garretson Resolution Group which explained that liens would be held to a maximum of 20% if we let them represent us for another fee($400). Has anybody been told of a timeframe for when they might complete their work so any heldback funds can be released?
I was just at the FDA to see if I would find out what they did to Medtronic about the recall I found out the Medtronic have more recall now. So Medtronic have been telling a lie from day one. I am also going back to the
FDA to see if we can tell our story to them. From what I see Medtronic have not been fine or any thing. So this might be a way to make Medtronic tell the truth for once.
First I would like to say how sorry I am to anyone that has lost a loved one due to Medtronic’s faulty equipment. We should also remember that Congress gave a waver to Medtronic’s so that they could not be held responsible for any faulty equipment. I hope that everybody will return the checks sent by the attorney’s and tell then that this is unexcepitable. I have more respect for an armed robber than an attorney at least the armed robber is being up front with what he is doing. I have the samy faulty equipment. My first pace maker didn’t last three years due to a faulty battery. There is a 5 year warenty on these devices. But when you tell them about there 5 year warenty you really find out what a ripoff this is. My insurance had to pay for the second pacemaker as well plus the hospital still wanted about 1500 dollars from me. Then they take the old pacemaker and refurbish it and sell it to a third world country. So once again the big corporations are they only making any money while we get the shaft. Sorry for ranting but it really makes me mad.
This is another case of th U.S. Goverment turning their backs on the people in favor of BIG companies that pay them millions to work for them. So come election time I personaly will VOTE against anyone that dont support the Medical Device Safty act and work hard to get others to do so also They should have passed it instead of letting it die
Tell me who got the money because we sure as hell arnt getting any so xxxx Medtronic and all the people that helped screw us so hard