A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device (20) includes a substrate (24) and a movable element (22) adapted for motion relative to the substrate (24). A secondary structure (58) extends from the movable element (22). The secondary structure (58) includes a secondary mass (70) and a spring (68) interconnected between the movable element (22) and the mass (70). The spring (68) is sufficiently stiff to prevent movement of the mass (70) when the movable element (22) is subjected to force within a sensing range of the device (20). However, the spring (68) deflects when the device (20) is subjected to mechanical shock (86), and the spring (68) rebounds thus causing the mass (70) to impact the movable element (22) in a direction that would be likely to dislodge a potentially stuck movable element (22).