Infusion pumps have contributed a lot to ease the patients who need their doses of intravenous medications daily. There are some potential risks regardng the use of these infusion pumps though, even if they are designed to manage the transmission of intravenous medications or other solutions into the bloodstream of a patient. This is especially true when it comes to the infusion pumps manufactured by Alaris, 1,300 of which were seized by the FDA in August of 2006. Defects were found in its design that result in the infusion of more than the prescribed dosage of medication into the bloodstream. This over-infusion of medication leads to overdose and can possibly result in the affliction of serious injuries or even death.

The Alaris infusion pump has a touch-sensitive keypad that was found to sometimes bounce when pressed to register a medication's infusion rate. This key bounce defect occurs when a number is registered twice even if the keypad was pressed once. An example of this is when instead of registering the number 4, as was pressed by a user to indicate that his medication's infusion rate is at 4 millimeters per hour, 44 is registered because of the key bounce. The pump would then deliver ten times more medicine into the patient's bloodstream than was intended.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) requested the seizure of the Alaris infusion pumps after their February 2006 inspection resulted in the discovery of violations committed by the manufacturer in the quality of the products. When FDA labs confirmed the key bounce problem, all of the products that violated their stringent regulations were seized. Only the pumps found at the site were seized though, and the distribution of the other units that were found not to have the key bounce problem was not stopped.

If you or a loved one is using an Alaris infusion pump, you should be wary about the continued use of the product. Aside from consulting your doctor, it might also be advisable to contact an experienced lawyer. A good lawyer will answer all of your questions regarding the device, its defects, and the possible implications of its continued usage. But, if you suspect that additional ailments that you are now experiencing may have been caused by your Alaris infusion pump, then getting a lawyer to get you the compensation you deserve is necessary.

There are now many law firms that have lawyers specialize in defective medical products. Choose one who has extensive knowledge about the Alaris infusion pump so he can evaluate your case thoroughly and be able to determine if your current injuries were really caused by your infusion pump. It is best to provide him with the medical evaluation of your doctor as well. If it is ascertained that you have sustained your ailments because of the defects in your Alaris infusion pump, then your lawyer will represent you in contacting the manufacturer of the medical device. He will be your voice when it comes to the possible settlement of your case.

In most cases, you don't even have to worry about upfront attorney fees. Many lawyers specializing on defective medical devices offer free evaluation of potential personal injury cases. Clients who decide to proceed with their cases will not be charged for the services rendered by these lawyers until the case is won and compensation is received.