Can You Sue If Your Medical Device Is Hacked?

The integration of technology into the healthcare sector has brought about numerous benefits, from improved patient care to enhanced medical device functionality. In relation to this, as medical devices become more connected and reliant on software, the risk of cybersecurity threats, including hacking, has also increased. If your medical device caused injury because of the negligence of the manufacturer or any other party, you should consult with an experienced product liability attorney in California.

Understanding the Threat of Hacked Medical Devices

Medical devices, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, and infusion pumps, are now equipped with software and wireless capabilities that allow healthcare providers to monitor and adjust settings remotely. While these advancements offer convenience and real-time data, they also create potential vulnerabilities. Hackers, motivated by various intentions, could target these devices, potentially endangering patients’ lives.

Whether you can sue if your medical device is hacked in California hinges on various factors, including the negligence of manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and providers, as well as the ability to establish a direct link between the hack and resulting harm.

Liability Considerations for Hacked Medical Devices in California

Given the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector, it is essential for patients, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals to pay attention to cybersecurity and take proactive steps to mitigate risks.

Manufacturer Liability

In California, manufacturers have a legal responsibility to produce safe and reliable medical devices. If a medical device is hacked due to vulnerabilities in its design or manufacturing, the manufacturer could be held liable for negligence. This includes failing to implement adequate security measures, software updates, or encryption protocols to protect against cyber threats.

Healthcare Facility Liability

Healthcare facilities that use and maintain these devices also have a duty of care toward patients. If a facility’s negligence, such as inadequate cybersecurity measures or failure to update device software, contributes to a hack, they may be held liable for any resulting harm.

Healthcare Provider Liability

Physicians and medical staff are responsible for ensuring the safe and proper use of medical devices. If they fail to take necessary precautions, follow protocols, or provide timely updates to patients regarding cybersecurity risks, they could be held responsible for negligence.

If you believe you have suffered harm due to a hacked medical device, consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in medical malpractice and cybersecurity may be helpful in assessing the viability of legal action and protecting your rights.

Legal Challenges in Suing a Potential Defendant

Suing for harm caused by a hacked medical device presents several legal challenges:

Causation: Proving that the hack directly caused harm can be complicated. Establishing a clear link between the cyber breach and your injuries or adverse health effects can require expert testimony.
Attribution: Determining the identity and location of the hacker can be difficult too, as hackers often operate anonymously or from jurisdictions beyond legal reach.
Regulatory Compliance: Medical device manufacturers and healthcare facilities must adhere to various regulatory standards, such as HIPAA and FDA cybersecurity guidelines. Non-compliance may complicate legal claims.
Consent: You would typically be required to provide informed consent before receiving medical devices. The extent to which you were made aware of cybersecurity risks and their implications can affect legal arguments.
Burden of Proof: You may face a significant burden of proving that the hack directly caused harm or adverse health effects. This may require expert testimony and thorough documentation of the sequence of events leading to the injury.
Preservation of Evidence: Preserving digital evidence related to the hack is necessary. This includes preserving logs, records, and data that may be necessary to prove the case. Failure to do so can weaken your position.

You should consult with a skilled personal injury attorney who can provide comprehensive legal representation and build a strong case on your behalf.

Statute of Limitations for Obtaining Compensation

Medical malpractice and product liability cases can be complex, and determining the applicable statute of limitations can depend on various factors specific to each case. If the lawsuit is primarily based on medical malpractice, California generally has a statute of limitations of one year from the date the patient discovered or should have discovered through reasonable diligence, both the injury and its relationship to the alleged malpractice.

Pertaining to this, there is also a “statute of repose” that sets an absolute deadline of three years from the date of the alleged wrongful act, regardless of when the injury was discovered. If the lawsuit focuses on product liability due to a defective medical device, California typically has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of injury or death. This can sometimes be extended if the injury is not immediately apparent.

You should speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney without delay or you may lose the right to file a claim. Your attorney can assess the specific circumstances of the case, determine the relevant statute of limitations, and help you take appropriate legal action within the required timeframe to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.

Discuss a Winning Legal Strategy with our Personal Injury Attorneys to Maximize Damages

At Garmo & Garmo, LLP, our accomplished personal injury attorneys are committed to helping victims obtain the compensation they are entitled to. We listen because we care about your well-being. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the strongest legal representation you need. Our track record of successful personal injury cases is testimony to our dedication and effectiveness in obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. To schedule your free case review with our lawyers today, call us at 619-441-2500 or contact us online.