Nationwide IVC Filter Mass Tort Lawyers
When facing complications from an IVC filter, finding the right legal representation is crucial. Our experienced IVC filter lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve experienced device migration, perforation, or any other serious side effects, our team is here to fight for your rights. We offer personalized, compassionate legal support to ensure that you receive the justice and financial recovery you need during this challenging time.
What Do IVC Filters do and Why are People Suing Over it?
IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) filters are small, cage-like devices that are implanted into the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. These filters are designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, where they could cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. IVC filters are often used in patients who cannot take blood-thinning medications or who are at high risk of developing blood clots.
However, people are suing over IVC filters because of the serious complications that have been linked to these devices. Over time, some IVC filters have been found to fracture, migrate from their original position, or perforate the vein, leading to life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or embolization of broken filter fragments to the heart or lungs. In many cases, these complications require additional surgeries or medical treatments, and some have resulted in permanent injury or death.
The lawsuits claim that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about these risks and that the filters were defectively designed. As a result, individuals who have suffered from IVC filter complications are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Do You Think You Have an IVC Filter Case?
Speak With Our Legal Team
IVC Filter Complications:
Common complications associated with IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) filters include:
-
Filter Fracture: The filter can break into pieces, which may migrate to other parts of the body, including the heart or lungs, causing serious complications like organ damage or embolism.
-
Device Migration: The entire filter can move from its original placement, potentially causing damage to the inferior vena cava or other nearby organs.
-
Perforation: The filter's struts can puncture the walls of the inferior vena cava or other nearby organs, leading to internal bleeding or damage to critical structures.
-
Embolization: Broken fragments of the filter can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the heart, lungs, or other vital organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
-
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Paradoxically, the filter itself can cause the formation of blood clots in the legs, which it is originally intended to prevent.
-
Pulmonary Embolism: If the filter fails to catch a blood clot, it may travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
-
Difficulty or Inability to Remove: Some filters are designed to be temporary, but they can become embedded in the vein, making removal difficult or impossible without causing further complications.
IVC Filter Settlement Amounts:
IVC filter settlement amounts vary depending on the severity of the complications, the specific circumstances of each case, and the manufacturers involved. While exact figures are often confidential due to settlement agreements, there have been several notable cases and general trends in settlements and verdicts.
Notable Settlements
- C.R. Bard: One of the largest manufacturers of IVC filters, C.R. Bard has faced numerous lawsuits. In one notable case in 2018, a jury awarded $3.6 million to a woman who suffered severe complications from a Bard G2 filter, including filter fracture and migration. In another case, a jury awarded $2 million to a plaintiff in 2015 after a Bard filter migrated to the heart, causing serious injury.
- Cook Medical: Another significant manufacturer, Cook Medical, has also faced extensive litigation. In 2019, Cook Medical settled several bellwether cases in MDL, although the settlement amounts were not disclosed. Prior to that, a jury awarded $1.2 million to a plaintiff in 2017 after a Cook Celect filter perforated the vena cava.
- Boston Scientific: While not as prominent as Bard or Cook in IVC filter litigation, Boston Scientific has also faced lawsuits. Settlements with this manufacturer have generally been confidential, but they are part of the broader trend of manufacturers compensating injured plaintiffs.
Filing an IVC Filter Lawsuit:
Filing an IVC filter lawsuit can be a critical step for individuals who have suffered complications from these medical devices. If you or a loved one has experienced issues such as filter fracture, migration, perforation, or embolization, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll these complications have caused. The first step in pursuing a lawsuit is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in medical device litigation. They will evaluate your case, gather medical records, and determine if you have a viable claim against the manufacturer of the IVC filter.
The lawsuit process typically begins with filing a complaint in court, outlining the injuries sustained and the alleged wrongdoing of the manufacturer. Your attorney will argue that the IVC filter was defectively designed or manufactured, and that the company failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of the potential risks. As the case progresses, your lawyer will engage in discovery, exchanging evidence with the defendant and possibly negotiating a settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial, where a jury will determine if you are entitled to damages. Pursuing an IVC filter lawsuit can be complex, but with the right legal support, it can provide a path to justice and financial recovery for those harmed by these dangerous devices.
Frequently Asked Questions About IVC Filter Lawsuits
Schedule Your Free
Consultation
Provide the information below or call us at: