The use of retrievable IVC filters has increased significantly over the past few years, however the lack of removal of those filters has resulted in an increase in IVC filter-related injuries and complications. Despite FDA safety communications regarding IVC filter injuries, which instruct patients and physicians to remove the filters in a timely fashion, the majority of those with a retrievable IVC filter do not have the filter removed. IVC filters are tiny cage-like devices with small metal “spider” legs, which anchor the filter in place. Unfortunately, when retrievable IVC filters are left in the body longer than the recommended time (28-59 days, or as soon as the risk for blood clots has passed), serious health risks can result, including filter fracture, embolization, perforation and thrombosis.
IVC Filter Injury Damages
There are currently more than 1,000 IVC Filter Injury lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of IVC filters. Two IVC filter multidistrict litigation groups have been formed, as well as additional state and federal IVC filter injury lawsuits across the nation. Some examples of current IVC Filter injury lawsuits include:
· Plaintiff Lisa Davis sued C.R. Bard, after an implanted G2 IVC filter fractured, migrating to her heart. Not wanting to undergo potentially dangerous open heart surgery, Davis chose to take blood thinners for the rest of her life. Davis alleges C.R. Bard exhibited a failure to warn, and that the manufacturer misrepresented the G2 IVC filter was safe. Davis’ IVC filter lawsuit claims an impaired ability to earn a living, physical trauma and anxiety.
· An IVC Filter Injury lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Kelly Vlasvich and her husband Chris against C.R. Bard alleges a G2 IVC filter fractured, migrating to various places in her body, and causing damage to her heart and lungs. Kelly and Chris are claiming IVC filter damages such as negligent design and misrepresentation of the G2 IVC filter as safe and effective. Kelly claims she has lost a normal life, and now suffers emotional trauma, pain, disability, impairment and disfigurement, while Chris claims loss of consortium with his wife.
· Husband and wife Larry and Brenda Johnson claim Cook recklessly designed, tested and manufactured the Celect IVC filter. Larry’s Celect IVC filter fractured, migrating to his heart, resulting in three major surgeries. Larry Johnson is claiming IVC filter damages such as an inability to enjoy his daily life, lost wages, pain, emotional suffering and scarring, while Brenda Johnson is claiming loss of consortium.
IVC Filter Legal Help
If you are one of the potentially thousands of patients who suffered injury and harm from a retrievable IVC filter, you need qualified IVC filter legal help. Our well qualified IVC Filter Injury Attorneys can help you determine whether the manufacturer of your IVC filter was aware of the problems associated with the filter, yet failed to disclose those risks.
IVC Filter Lawsuit Statute of Limitations
Preserving your IVC filter injury claim is extremely important, and our IVC Filter Injury Attorneys can help to ensure your claimis properly preserved. All types of lawsuits must be filed within a specific length of time, known as the statute of limitations. While the statute of limitations varies from state to state, the IVC filter injury lawsuit statute of limitations in the state of Texas (and in many other states) is two years. It is imperative that this statute of limitations not be exceeded, or you could be forever barred from seeking compensation for your IVC filter injury damages.
Generally, the IVC filter lawsuit statute of limitations begins from the time you discovered your injuries were related to your IVC filter—or when you should have known the injuries were related to your IVC filter. By speaking to an IVC Filter Injury attorney now, if you suffered serious injury as the result of a retrievable IVC filter you will help to ensure you do not exceed the statute of limitations.
IVC Filter Injury Compensation
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury as the result of a defective IVC filter, you may be entitled to IVC filter injury compensation. If you have been unable to work because of your IVC filter injuries, you could be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and possibly even punitive damages if it can be shown the manufacturer of your IVC filter exhibited willful and reckless negligence.
If your claim against the manufacturer of your IVC filter is not filed prior to the expiration of your state's IVC filter injury lawsuit statute of limitations, you will be left injured, with no way to receive compensation for your injuries. Legal representation for your IVC Filter Injury Claim is extremely important during this difficult time. A well-qualified IVC Filter Injury Attorney can help to ensure that your rights to file suit are protected, and can also help to pursue damages on your behalf with the goal of obtaining an equitable IVC filter injury lawsuit settlement.