WASHINGTON (AP) — Medical device maker Philips said Monday it will pay $1.1 billion to settle hundreds of personal injury lawsuits in the U.S. over its defective sleep apnea machines, which have been subject to a massive global recall.
The Dutch manufacturer did not admit any fault and said it reached the agreement to resolve any uncertainty over the cases. The payout also includes medical monitoring claims from patients who used the company’s devices and could be exposed to future risks.
Philips has recalled more than 5 million of breathing machines since 2021 because their internal foam can break down over time, leading users to inhale tiny particles and fumes while they sleep. Efforts to repair or replace the machines have been plagued by delays that have frustrated regulators and patients in the U.S. and other countries.
Monday’s announcement is another step toward resolving one of the biggest medical device recalls in the industry’s history, which has dragged on for nearly three years.
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Conductor Andrew Davis dies at 80, headed Lyric Opera of Chicago and orchestras on 3 continents
Luis Gil gets 1st big league win in 3 years, pitches Yankees over Rays 5
REVEALED: The New York towns that STILL ban booze nine decades after end of prohibition
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
Olympic champion Jepchirchir wins women's race at London Marathon
Rosanna Arquette gushes over Pulp Fiction co
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
An explosion razes a home in Maryland, sending 1 person to the hospital
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
Jesús Sánchez hits a long solo homer as the Marlins beat the Cubs 6