IVC Filters Lawsuits
If you required additional surgery or suffered preventable injuries because of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter complication, you may be able to sue the device manufacturer for compensation. Further, many people have already taken action against these companies for making dangerous and defective medical devices.
Anastopoulo Law Firm is helping clients file IVC filters lawsuits and join multidistrict litigation underway as of August 2021. We provide free case reviews so you can learn if you qualify today. Also, after a frank discussion about your health, complications, and related concerns, we can assess your legal options.
Recovering Damages in an IVC Filter Lawsuit or Another Legal Action
IVC filters can help prevent deadly pulmonary embolisms and other complications related to blood clots. However, they do not always work as intended. You may be able to claim damages if:
- You had to undergo additional procedures or required more medical care because of an IVC filter complication.
- Your IVC filter broke or migrated, causing injuries.
- Your doctor could not remove the IVC filter because it became embedded or broke.
- You lost a family member because of a broken or dangerous IVC filter.
The common types of recoverable damages in these cases are similar to those in other defective product cases. They typically include:
- Related medical care costs, current and future
- Lost wages and other income
- Reduced earning capacity for lasting injuries
- Other related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Because IVC filter migration and breakage can lead to deadly embolisms and other fatal injuries, you may have lost a loved one because of a defective device. If this happened to your family, wrongful death damages may be available.
Are Punitive Damages Available in IVC Filter Lawsuits?
At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we believe the manufacturers of defective devices should have to pay punitive damages to those injured by their negligence. However, this is generally decided on a case-by-case basis. The judge and jury will determine whether to award punitive damages in your lawsuit.
How Can Anastopoulo Law Firm Help with an IVC Filter Lawsuit?
At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we provide free initial consultations. Our team can review your case from any of our North or South Carolina offices. Further, we will offer information about your rights, the strength of your case, and your legal options going forward.
Over the last 25+ years, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and gained a lot of experience with legal cases against large corporations. Our firm can help you navigate the legal process, whether you file a claim or join a mass tort. You can count on us to:
- Review your eligibility
- Answer your questions
- Explain the case against the filter manufacturers and how this process works
- Identify the liable party or parties
- Determine if there is an MDL or other mass tort in progress
- Review your medical records and gather evidence to support the case
- File a lawsuit and represent your best interests
We represent our clients based on contingency, so you will only pay attorney’s fees if we win the case, and you receive compensation. You can read our client testimonials and recent results to learn more about our services, what our previous clients think about our team, and our success stories.
What Are IVC Filters, and Why Are People Suing the Manufacturers?
IVC filters are small filters that a surgeon inserts in the inferior vena cava – a large vein in the abdomen – to stop any blood clots from moving toward the heart or lungs. Doctors commonly use them to treat patients who have an increased risk of developing blood clots. In theory, they should help to prevent pulmonary embolisms.
However, following medical evidence from several studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using most IVC filters only temporarily. The agency suggests removing them as soon as possible, but usually 29 to 54 days after placement.
Risks of Long-Term Use of IVC Filters
According to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, when an IVC filter is left in place longer, the risk of migration or fracture increases greatly. This can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, including:
- Problems with blood flow moving through the IVC
- Embedding in or perforating the IVC wall
- Embedding in a nearby vital organ
- Migrating to the heart or lungs where it can cause a deadly embolism
- Puncturing the IVC or other blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding
Because of the severity of some of these complications, those with IVC filters need to pay close attention to their bodies and seek emergency department care if they develop any symptoms. These could include:
- Chest or abdomen pain
- Shortness of breath
- Increase in pulse rate or heart rate
- A feeling of chest fullness, especially with shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
In some cases, doctors also struggle to remove IVC filters even when they try to follow the FDA guidelines. These filters can become embedded in the vein or other nearby tissues and break during removal. Some can only be partially removed, potentially leading to additional complications down the road.
Holding the IVC Filter Manufacturer Responsible
We will review your case and help you understand your legal options for suing the IVC filter manufacturer over your related complications and injuries.
As of August 13, 2021, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reports two ongoing multidistrict litigation cases related to IVC filters. These are:
- MDL 2570: Cook Medical, Inc., IVC Filters Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation
- MDL 2641: Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation
Together, these two cases include more than 8,000 lawsuits filed by plaintiffs seeking compensation for the injuries they suffered.
Call Anastopoulo Law Firm to Discuss Your Potential IVC Filter Lawsuit Today
Our team is ready to review your potential compensation case for free today. We can assess your options for seeking damages and may be able to sue the filter manufacturer on your behalf.
Dial (800) 777-7777 to speak with a team member about your next steps as soon as possible.
