Big brother is here and so are the dangers that come with such technological oversight. Just this month, the FDA was forced to recall all Medtronic insulin pump devices after learning of vulnerabilities to hackers in the device’s system. Medtronic, the manufacturer, says there is no way to resolve or patch the holes and all Medtronic insulin pumps should be recalled. This means that someone, other than the patient or health care provider, could determine the insulin levels pumped into the body, leading to potentially deadly consequences.
Can You Trust Your Medical Devices?
It is unnerving to know that a stranger may be able to hack your potentially life-saving medical device. Luckily, Medtronic is offering all 4,000 patients free replacements for a new yet similar device that does not include known hacking vulnerabilities. These insulin pumps utilize Bluetooth to connect to a computer, so the user can use a computer to send proper commands to the device.
What are the Cybersecurity Threats in Medical Devices?
Many medical professionals are intrigue by this idea of “Internet of Things” or (IoT). IoT is a movement towards connecting medical devices to the internet to increase patient communication and efficiency. After the recent recall by the FDA and Medtronic, many people fear this could be the future issue for all medical devices. In fact, legal scholars are contemplating cybersecurity threats to be the future of medical device or defective product lawsuits. Patients have the right to know the risks when it comes to the medical devices and prescription medication that they are using.
Contact an Experienced MA Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in MA due to a medical mistake by a doctor or other medical provider, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other losses. The experienced MA medical malpractice lawyers that we work with charge no fee until you receive a settlement or award that you deserve. Contact us 24/7 toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
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Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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