Philips to pay $1.1 billion settlement over recalled breathing devices

Philps Recalls Breathing Devices Used By Millions Amid Faulty Hardware Concerns

Philips, the medical device maker, has recently announced a $1.1 billion personal injury settlement over some of its CPAP, ventilators, and BiPAP machines, which were at the center of a massive recall in 2021. This recall impacted devices used by millions of people globally, raising concerns about the safety of these devices.

The company also agreed to pay $25 million in a medical monitoring settlement. While Philips does not admit fault or liability, nor does it affirm that any injuries were caused by the devices, it has agreed to these settlements to avoid costly and contentious litigation.

The Recall In June 2021, Philips issued a voluntary recall for specific CPAP, ventilator, and BiPAP devices to address a foam issue in its devices, which aided sleep apnea patients. The sound abatement foam used in some of Philips' devices was found to degrade sound abatement foam used in some of Philips' devices was found to degrade overtime, resulting in the user potentially inhaling toxic chemicals.

The devices impacted by this recall included Philips BiLevel PAP and CPAP devices, as well as Mechanical Ventilators, manufactured before September 2021. The recall didn't stop the devices from making it into the hands of patients, some of whom have raised concerns about the health impacts they've experienced while using the devices.

Philips CEO Frans van Houten assured in a statement that the symptoms experienced by patients were not due to toxic substances in the recalled devices, despite pending lawsuits from patients who contended that the devices caused cancer and other serious health issues.

The Settlement This settlement is a major move by Philips to address the concerns of those impacted by the recall. The personal injury settlement, totaling $1.05 billion, addresses claims that the foam used in the devices caused injuries, including cancer. The company has also set aside $150 million for future claims.

Philips has not admitted any liability or negligence, and has said that the settlements are a positive step towards helping patients and resolving the lengthy litigation process. The settlement also includes the medical monitoring funding to address patient concerns and improve medical checks for those using the devices.

While this is a significant settlement, Philips still faces several lawsuits from those who have accused the company of knowing about the risks associated with the devices but failing to act promptly to address them, which resulted in patients being exposed to potential harm.

Conclusion This settlement is a major development in the recall of Philips' breathing devices and will provide some relief to the many people who use these devices for sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions.

Despite the settlement, issues around this recall, and the concerns experienced by patients, Philips remains a leading provider of medical devices. This is a developing story and we will update you with any new information.

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