All the Colleague models of the Baxter infusion pumps were ordered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be recalled from the market because the pumps have the tendency to malfunction while transmitting important intravenous medication and fluids to patients.The recall order was the FDA's answer to a notification sent from Baxter Healthcare Corporation to its customers on March 15, 2005.

The notice was in a form of a letter and was dubbed as an Urgent Device Correction. Through the letter, customers were made aware of certain defects found in the Baxter infusion pumps, like the error code and user interface problems that could lead to serious medical conditions or even death. Three fatalities and six serious injuries among patients were already recorded due to the medical devices' defects before the notice came out. Some 206,000 Baxter infusion pumps of the Colleague models were sold to doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities in the United States alone.

The problems in the user interface of these Baxter infusion pumps could result in serious injuries, especially during the accidental pressing of the off button instead of the start button to signal the start of medication infusion. Failures, when it comes to the external communication portals of the infusion pumps, also pose serious risks to the users. Baxter has declared that they will correct the pattern of their infusion pumps' software, making the pump more tolerant of faults and lessening the risks that could threaten the lives of patients using the devices. Critical problems linked to the failure codes of the Baxter infusion pumps have also caused the disruption of the transmission of fluids into the patient's bloodstream. The company advises stopping the use of the infusion pumps, so that they could be inspected, should these failures occur. Back up plans or other infusion devices are also recommended for medical facilities that use the Baxter infusion pumps, in case complications should arise.

Even if the FDA has issued a Class I recall over the Colleague models of the Baxter infusion pumps, the highest form of recall that can be imposed on companies, Baxter will not accept any returned products that are being used. According to the company, this is because they are n trying their best to modify the infusion pumps to address the problems that pose risks to patients. Until these modifications are implemented, the distribution of Baxter infusion pumps is still under temporary suspension.

If you are among those who underwent intravenous therapy through the use of a Baxter infusion pump and acquired a serious injury, you are entitled to financial retribution to compensate for your pain and loss. To get more answers when it comes to the Baxter infusion pumps, it is time to contact a lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable about the medical devices. An attorney, who is experienced when it comes to defective medical devices, will be able to evaluate your case and ascertain your options in seeking retribution against the responsible parties. He will be able to provide you with all the pertinent information that you might ask of him when it comes to the possible implications of filing a personal injury claim. He will advise you on the best course of action to take on the settlement of your case in either an out of court settlement or a court litigation. Whichever way you choose, a compassionate lawyer will stand by your side and see to it that you get the just compensation that will cover all of your medical expenses and all of the other losses and pain that you endured because of your injuries.

You often don’t have to worry about attorney fees when it comes to seeking legal assistance, because there are a lot of lawyers who offer initial consultations for free. If you decide to file a case, these lawyers will not charge you for their services until you receive the compensation that the court will accord to you. Their fees are usually a percentage of the total amount of the compensation that you receive.