Product Liability

Product manufacturing flaws can turn an established, widely used, and generally safe product into something completely different. One problem in the manufacturing chain is all it takes to turn a useful product into a deadly product.

When a flaw in product manufacturing is discovered, a recall may be issued. However, at the time of the recall, the defective product may have already been distributed to a variety of locations and may have been used or consumed for a long period of time. These products can pose a danger to anyone who comes in contact with them.

A recent example of a flaw in product manufacturing can be seen with the recent recall of the blood thinner heparin. Baxter International recalled its entire supply of heparin due to contamination or counterfeiting of a specific ingredient in heparin that occurred in a Chinese factory. The tainted heparin supply has caused numerous injuries and deaths in patients undergoing heart surgery or dialysis.

The Sulzer Orthopedics hip implant recall involved another type of manufacturing flaw. The implant, deemed safe for years, suddenly and unexpectedly began to cause unusual complications in patients. For a time, during the manufacturing process, a small amount of a mineral oil lubricant leaked into the machine coolant. The lubricant proceeded to coat the implant, remaining as residue, even after the manufacturer's cleaning process. The remaining residue interfered with the normal bonding process of the hip implant, requiring additional surgeries to repair. After the flaw in manufacturing was identified, appropriate steps were taken to restore product safety.