Faulty Glucose Monitors Create Health Emergencies
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System promised Virginia diabetes patients freedom from constant finger pricks and peace of mind through reliable blood sugar monitoring. For many, however, this device has failed in its most critical function – alerting users to dangerous glucose levels before medical emergencies occur. These failures have resulted in severe hypoglycemic episodes, hospitalizations, and serious injuries that have changed lives forever.
At Geoff McDonald & Associates, our Virginia Dexcom G6 glucose monitor attorneys are actively investigating these devastating device failures. We understand the trust patients place in medical devices and the life-altering consequences when that trust is betrayed. If you or a loved one experienced a serious medical emergency because a Dexcom G6 failed to alert you to dangerous glucose levels, you may qualify for significant compensation. Our instant case evaluation can quickly determine if you’re eligible to join this important litigation.
What Is the Dexcom G6 and Why Is It Dangerous?
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System consists of three primary components: a sensor inserted under the skin, a transmitter attached to the sensor, and a display device (either a dedicated receiver or smartphone app). The system continuously measures glucose levels and displays real-time readings, trends, and – most critically – alerts when glucose levels approach dangerous thresholds.
The danger arises when these vital alerts fail. Numerous Virginia patients have reported that their Dexcom G6 devices failed to sound alarms despite dangerously low or high blood sugar levels. These failures have left patients vulnerable to severe hypoglycemia, seizures, unconsciousness, and other serious complications that required emergency medical intervention.
In 2019, the FDA issued a Class 1 recall for certain Dexcom G6 receivers due to their failure to sound alerts for dangerously low or high glucose levels. Class 1 recalls are the FDA’s most serious classification, reserved for situations where there is reasonable probability that product use will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Medical research underscores the serious risks associated with CGM alert failures. A study in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that patients relying on CGM alerts who experienced device failures faced significantly higher rates of severe hypoglycemic events requiring medical intervention. For patients with hypoglycemic unawareness or who rely on alerts during sleep, these failures represent a critical and potentially life-threatening safety issue.
Legal Basis for Filing a Claim
Patients harmed by Dexcom G6 failures have strong legal grounds for seeking compensation. Our Virginia glucose monitor lawsuit attorneys have identified several key legal principles that apply to these cases, each addressing different ways the manufacturer failed in its duty to provide safe and reliable medical devices.
Dexcom G6 monitors contain fundamental flaws preventing reliable alert functionality. This critical safety feature fails when patients need it most. Virginia product liability law holds manufacturers strictly liable for injuries caused by defective medical devices.
Despite knowing about alert problems, Dexcom didn’t adequately warn patients or doctors about these life-threatening risks. Companies must disclose known dangers associated with their products, especially for life-critical medical devices.
Dexcom marketed their G6 system as providing reliable alerts to prevent dangerous glucose events. This created false security for patients who relied on these claims when making treatment decisions.
Evidence suggests Dexcom violated FDA regulations regarding safety monitoring, adverse event reporting, and timely corrective actions. These regulatory violations strengthen claims that the company prioritized profits over patient safety.
Who Qualifies to File a Glucose Monitor Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a Dexcom G6 lawsuit if you or a family member suffered harm because the device failed to function properly. Our Virginia glucose monitor lawsuit attorneys are evaluating cases that meet specific criteria to determine eligibility for compensation.
First, you must have been using a Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This typically requires documentation confirming your prescription and showing you were actively using the device at the time of the incident.
Second, you must have experienced a serious adverse health event that required medical intervention. Strong cases typically involve:
- Hospitalization due to severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
- Loss of consciousness or seizures due to extreme blood sugar levels
- Diabetic ketoacidosis requiring emergency treatment
- Other serious complications directly tied to the device’s failure to alert
Third, there should be evidence connecting your medical emergency to a failure of the Dexcom G6 device. This might include medical records documenting that the device did not provide alerts despite dangerous glucose levels, or witness accounts confirming the device failed to alarm during a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episode.
Virginia’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a product liability lawsuit. However, this deadline may vary depending on when you discovered the connection between your injury and the device failure. Our glucose monitor attorneys can determine the specific deadlines that apply to your situation.
The severity of your injuries will also factor into your potential compensation. Cases involving extended hospitalization, permanent injury, or substantial financial losses due to medical bills and lost income typically qualify for higher compensation amounts. However, even less severe cases may qualify if clear evidence links your injury to device failure.
Steps to Take if You've Been Harmed by Dexcom G6
If you’ve suffered harm because your Dexcom G6 failed to alert you to dangerous glucose levels, taking prompt action can help protect both your health and legal rights. Our Virginia glucose monitor attorneys recommend these important steps to strengthen your potential claim while ensuring you receive proper care.
Seek immediate medical attention for any blood sugar emergency. Tell healthcare providers specifically that your Dexcom G6 failed to alert you. This documentation creates crucial evidence linking your injuries to device failure.
Keep your Dexcom G6 device, transmitter, sensor, and all packaging. Don’t return these items to the company. Document any error messages or device malfunctions with photos and written records.
Save your glucose data history from the Dexcom app or receiver. This information shows your glucose patterns and can help prove the device should have alerted but failed to do so.
Complete our brief assessment to determine if you qualify for compensation. Our Virginia glucose monitor lawsuit attorneys will evaluate your situation and explain your options without any obligation.
Get Your Instant Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to find out if you qualify for compensation in the Dexcom G6 lawsuit. Virginia’s statute of limitations puts strict deadlines on filing your claim. Our quick online evaluation takes just minutes to complete and can determine immediately if you have a valid case. Geoff McDonald & Associates’ experienced glucose monitor attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.