IVC filters have been linked to complications, including fracturing and migration, leading to serious medical complications.
An IVC filter lawsuit can help those who have suffered medical complications and their families recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even for the wrongful death of a loved one.
IVC filter lawsuits allege that the medical device makers knew or should have known their product was defective and presented serious risks to patients. Additionally, these lawsuits allege that doctors and patients were not warned about these increased risks.
IVC filters, also known as vena cava filters, are touted as a way to prevent strokes and pulmonary embolisms, specifically in patients who have had hip or knee surgery. They are shaped like metallic spiders, with prongs designed to catch blood clots before they reach the heart or lungs; however, retrievable IVC filters have been linked to serious complications and even deaths since they were placed on the market.
IVC filter lawsuits allege that the thin metal prongs can fracture and migrate to the patient’s major organs, potentially causing a stoke, pulmonary embolism or even death. Patients who have filed an IVC filter lawsuit report that IVC filters designed by several major medical device manufacturers, like C.R. Bard, and Cook Medical, have the same problems.
IVC filter lawsuits have been filed over the following filters; Bard Recovery Filter®, Bard G2Filter®, Bard G2 Express Filter®, Bard Eclipse®, Bard Meridian®, Bard Denali®, Cook Select®, and Cook Gunther Tulip®.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of retrievable IVC filters in the 1990s. Shortly after approval, however, patients began reporting adverse events to the agency. Later, the agency issued a warning to doctors and patients stating that retrievable IVC filters should be removed within 54 days of implantation.
IVC filter lawsuits allege that retrievable filters are defective and the medical device manufacturers knew or should have known of the risks presented to patients. The lawsuits also claim that the device manufacturers failed to properly test retrievable IVC filters before bringing them to market.
Further, say the lawsuits, device manufacturers knew of the defects as early as 2004, but failed to initiate a recall or warn doctors and patients about the risk of serious medical complications.
There were several class action lawsuits initiated over allegedly defective IVC filters. Those cases are currently in California, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
IVC Filter Side Effects
IVC filter lawsuits allege that patients have experienced serious side effects from the allegedly defective devices, including:
- Blood clots
- Migration to major organs
- Punctures to veins and organs
- Filter embolization
- Infection
If you or your loved one has experienced any of these side effects, consider filing an IVC filter lawsuit.
A successful lawsuit can help recoup past and future expenses, pain and suffering, and hold medical device manufacturers responsible for their actions. A statute of limitations, or deadlines, may apply to your claim, however, so don’t hesitate to contact an experienced McDonald Worley attorney about your claim.
The attorneys at McDonald Worley are currently investigating IVC filter claims. Call today for a free case evaluation.