Litigation Groups

CPAP, BiPAP, and Other Mechanical Ventilator Devices

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CPAP, BiPAP, and Other Mechanical Ventilator Devices Litigation Group

CPAP, BiPAP, and other mechanical ventilator devices help treat sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air through plastic tubing to a mask on the user’s face. The pressurized air opens and supports the user’s airpath while they sleep. 

Unfortunately, these devices may cause lung disease and cancer. Philips RS North America, LLC issued a voluntary recall of the devices on June 14, 2021. The polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) “sound abatement” foam that is intended to reduce the noise produced by the device’s machinery may release toxic and carcinogenic compounds via degradation and off-gassing. The foam is in the device’s airpath, and the toxic compounds released by the foam are delivered directly to the user’s oral cavity, where they are inhaled and/or ingested.

Group History

The Litigation Group was formed at the 2021 AAJ Fall Board of Governors Meeting. Members have access to the group's Document Library and list server. It will meet at AAJ's Annual and Winter conventions.

Dues: 

The Litigation Group is complementary to members of the AAJ Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Section who can agree to the terms and conditions of membership in the Litigation Group's Affidavit. If you are not yet a member, you can join the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Section here.

Cochairs

Virginia Buchanan | Levin Papantonio, Pensacola, FL

Erin Copeland | Fibich Leebron Copeland & Briggs, Houston, TX

Brendan McDonough | Weitz & Luxenberg, PC, New York, NY

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Litigation Group members, visit AAJ's Community Center to connect with your colleagues on the list server, search discussion archives, download documents, update your list server settings, and more. Lit Group Member Login