IVC Filters

FILING AN IVC FILTER LAWSUIT

Being told that you have a blood clot that could potentially lead to injury or death is a frightening experience. As a result, many take their doctor’s advice and begin using medication to treat their blood clots. Unfortunately, medication does not work in every case. When this happens, a physician may recommend that you have an IVC filter implanted in your body to try and trap the clot before it causes serious harm. The bad news for patients who have gone this route is that significant side effects have been linked to the use of IVC filters.

If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury after receiving an IVC filter, you could be entitled to financial compensation—and Potts Law Firm can help. Our attorneys have successfully assisted clients in single-plaintiff lawsuits and have led mass tort and class action litigation against major pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies. We understand the complexities involved in dangerous drug and medical device cases, and we know how to help you fight to protect your rights. In every case, we strive to maximize our clients’ recoveries.

Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation; call (888) 420-1299 or contact us online using our secure case evaluation form.

WHAT IS AN IVC FILTER?

IVC stands for inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the feet, legs, and lower body back up to the heart. When an individual has blood clots, these clots can travel up the IVC to the heart and other areas of the body, which may lead to a variety of dangerous conditions, such as pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition caused by a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms most often develop as a result of blood clots traveling to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body.

IVC filters were invented to help prevent pulmonary embolisms and their associated complications. These filters are implanted in the body where they capture blood clots before they enter the lungs. Unfortunately, these filters have also been linked to serious injury in some patients.

IVC filters have been used by medical professionals for nearly 50 years. Several different manufacturers produce the device. These manufacturers include Cook Medical, as well as C.R. Bard Inc. C.R. Bard produces The Bard Recovery filter, the Bard G2 filter, and the Bard G2X Express filter. Each device was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, various safety communications have been released since 2010 indicating a risk of adverse effects associated with the use of the filters.

The FDA has received over 1,000 reports of adverse events linked to IVC filter use since 2005. To date, at least 27 deaths and 300 injuries have been reported with regard to patients who had IVC filters implanted. The highest risks are believed to be associated with IVC filters not being removed when the risk of pulmonary embolism has subsided, and instead being left in the body for too long. The device was designed to be used only on a short-term basis.

COMMON RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IVC FILTERS

While IVC filters may prevent pulmonary embolisms in some patients, others are not so fortunate.

There are various risks associated with the use of an IVC filter, including the following:

If any of these scenarios should arise, patients may suffer harm. The type of harm experienced may vary from one patient to another, but IVC filter use has been linked to several harmful effects.

Common injuries and effects associated with defective IVC filters include:

If you were injured, or if your loved one passed away after receiving an IVC filter, you may have grounds for legal action. Our defective IVC filter attorneys can help; reach out to The Potts Law Firm today to learn more during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR AN IVC FILTER INJURY?

A pulmonary embolism, the condition that the IVC filters were designed to prevent, is most often caused by a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. A person with deep vein thrombosis has a blood clot somewhere within the body, most often in the leg. If the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can result in a pulmonary embolism.

While anyone can develop blood clots, certain groups of people are at especially high risk. These groups include people who:

Patients suffering from dangerous blood clots can be treated with various types of blood thinning medications or other drugs. When these interventions do not work, doctors may then turn to an IVC filter to try to prevent a pulmonary embolism from occurring. It is these patients who may be at risk of harm caused by IVC filter use.

DETERMINING WHETHER YOU HAVE A CLAIM

You may have grounds for an IVC filter claim if you can prove that you were injured after receiving an IVC filter device. You will also need to prove that your injuries are related to the IVC filter failing to perform as intended or being otherwise defective.

You could also have grounds for legal action if your loved one died due to a pulmonary embolism or other complications related to a defective IVC filter. Depending on the specific details of your situation, you may be eligible to take part in ongoing mass litigation, such as a class action lawsuit. However, you may also wish to pursue single-plaintiff litigation. Our attorneys can review the details of your case and provide information specific to your situation.

The best way to know whether you have an IVC filter claim is to contact a knowledgeable lawyer, like those at The Potts Law Firm. During a completely free consultation, we can discuss your legal rights and options, as well as provide a general roadmap for your recovery.

COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF DEFECTIVE IVC FILTERS

Defective IVC filters can cause significant injuries, long-lasting complications, and even death. For victims and surviving loved ones, the road to recovery can be long, painful, and immensely difficult. By filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you can seek financial compensation for the various losses, or “damages,” you have endured as a result of your injury or loved one’s passing.

Depending on the unique factors involved in your case, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

At The Potts Law Firm, we understand the challenges you and your family are facing, and we want to help. Our IVC filter lawsuit attorneys are here to aggressively advocate for you and the full, fair compensation you deserve—even if that means taking your case to trial.

LET THE POTTS LAW FIRM TEAM FIGHT FOR YOU

Our IVC filter attorneys have significant experience handling complex defective medical device claims, as well as a long and proven track record of success. We represent clients nationwide from multiple office locations. We genuinely care about the people, families, and communities we serve, which is why we prioritize compassion, empathy, and understanding in our legal practice. Most importantly, we will be there to guide you through the process and fight for every penny you are owed.

Get in touch with us today at (888) 420-1299 or reach us online using our secure contact form. Your initial consultation is completely free.