Smith v. Medtronic, Inc.

Jimmy Smith1 sued Medtronic, Inc., alleging that he had sustained injury as the result of an allegedly defective wire of a Medtronic model 6972 heart pacemaker lead.2 The trial court entered a summary judgment for Medtronic, holding that Smith's claims were barred by the applicable statute of limitations.3 Smith appeals. We reverse and remand.4

The facts, viewed in the light most favorable to Smith, the nonmoving party, in accordance with our applicable standard of review, are as follows: In 1981, Smith underwent the surgical implantation of a Medtronic 5984 heart pacemaker, which was…