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For Immediate Release: March 19, 2008
Contact: Cecelia Prewett
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
Washington, DC – A new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public health notification shows a higher death rate after five years among patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm with Medtronic Inc.’s Aneu-Rx stent-graft system than among those treated through conventional surgery.
The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc. limited the rights of people to receive justice through the legal system when harmed by medical devices such as Aneu-Rx.
The following is a statement from American Association for Justice VP of Strategic Communications Cecelia Prewett:
“This latest FDA announcement once again shows the dangers of preemption.
“Preemption eliminates accountability through the civil justice system. The Riegel decision destroys any incentive for Medtronic to make Aneu-Rx safer or more effective.
“State remedies are designed to complement, not conflict with, federal health and safety regulations. Congress should take the lead in ensuring federal regulatory agencies are following Congressional intent and not preempting state tort remedies.”
For a copy of AAJ's comments, please contact Communications at media.replies@justice.org or 202-965-3500 x369.
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As the world's largest trial bar, AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. Serving members worldwide, AAJ provides attorneys with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system. Visit http://www.justice.org.
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