In a lawsuit filed by grieving Tennessee parents Ken and Leyanne Harper, their 23-year-old daughter Abbie died just days after the diabetic test strips she relied on were recalled. The test strips were produced by Abbott Laboratories and several other manufacturers.
Abbie used FreeStyle test strips and a FreeStyle blood glucose meter as a part of her embedded Omnipod insulin pump. Abbie’s parents claim that her meter and strips were returning incorrect glucose results that were lower than what they actually were. These low results led the diabetic college student to take in incorrect amount of insulin.
The wrongful death suit states that the FreeStyle test strips were made defective as a result of an error during the manufacturing process. Adding to the error with the test strips, the FreeStyle meter in the glucose pump was not compatible with the test strips.
In a statement released after Abbie’s death, the Harpers said:
Abbie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 16, a disease whose effects are only clearly understood by those families who are affected. Abbie was very determined to pursue her dreams and not let the disease get in the way.
Abbie trusted and relied upon her diabetic test strips and glucose monitor. They were her lifeline. We hope this lawsuit makes the diabetic community more aware of the products that we believe failed Abbie, products she trusted to keep her alive.
In addition to winning the wrongful death lawsuit, the Harper’s hope to bring awareness to the country about the diabetic community, as well as their (required) dependence on the very products that led to Abbie’s loss of life.
Losing a loved one is the hardest thing a person can go through. If such a loss occurs because of a defective medical product, you or a loved one may be eligible for compensation. While monetary awards will never replace the emptiness of losing a loved one, it can help you recover financially so that you are able to grieve properly.
Contact Gilreath & Associates to schedule a free consultation with one our wrongful death attorneys located in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis. For more information concerning defective medical products or any of our other practice areas, browse our blog and knowledge center.
