Interior Vena Cava Filters, better known as IVC filters, are implants used by doctors performing surgery. These filters were designed to save lives and protect the patient from blood clots and embolisms that can happen after surgery.
This is surprising because when these ingenious contraptions were first developed, they were considered lifesavers.
Unfortunately, they have caused much harm and suffering. Patients who have suffered from IVC filters can file lawsuits and with the help of a San Francisco IVC filter lawsuit lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel, they can seek full compensation for their injuries. Call our mass tort firm today at 1-866-CALL-RSD to schedule your free consultation and learn more.
What are IVC Filters?
The IVC can best be described as a small metal filter that is placed in the interior vena cava and designed to hold these blood clots and prevent them from passing and doing damage.
The clots will eventually dissolve. This can prevent the problems blood clots can cause in other areas of the body.
Bard is one of the largest manufacturing companies to produce IVC filters. They have two specific types of filters that have been found defective, these are the Recovery and G2 models.
Shortly after being fitted with such an implant, many patients have begun to suffer complications.
These implants were only meant to be in use for a temporary time. Once they had completed their work the idea was to remove them.
Nevertheless, for one reason or another, some surgeons have allowed these implants to remain in the body for longer than intended resulting in IVC filter lawsuits.
What are the Complications for IVC Filters Patients?
When some manufacturers applied to the FDA for approval for their product it was for clearance. Clearance is like the shorter version of approval.
If a product is very similar to one that has already been approved, the FDA provides a certificate saying it has the same function and doesn’t appear to have any defects.
However, around 10 years ago complaints began arising from people who had received IVC filters. These complaints included:
- The filter came apart and small pieces were free to travel to other parts of the body.
- The filter itself would become dislodged and travel to other parts of the body.
- The device causes internal injuries of various types.
The FDA responded by putting out a notice to all doctors that these devices were unsafe for use. They also recommended that manufacturers put out a notice that told all their customers of the potential dangers of these devices.
Some of the complications IVC filters caused included:
- Pulmonary embolism
- Inability to remove the device
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Venous wall puncture
The patients who complained of their injuries resulting from these IVC filters received no acceptable resolution from the doctors who had prescribed these treatments or the manufacturer. Therefore, they took the case to the mass tort attorneys.
Because there were so many cases surrounding IVC filters, IVC Filter Cases became a class action lawsuit and were handled by the most experienced mass tort attorneys around the country.
Why Were IVC Lawsuits First Filed?
The first patient to file a lawsuit because of damages from an IVC filter began their case in 2015. In this case, the patient had received the filter prior to a surgical procedure.
Unfortunately, they had to endure a second open heart surgery to repair the damage caused by the IVC filter. The case was so strong it was settled in 10 days.
In addition to reparative surgery, other issues caused by IVC filters can include:
- Severe pain
- Hemorrhaging
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Heart failure
- Death
If you have suffered any of these conditions or have a loved one who has, it is important for your future and well-being to contact a mass tort lawyer. An experienced mass tort attorney will know what to do to get you the compensation you need if you become involved in an IVC filter lawsuit.
What Damages Can San Francisco Mass Tort Lawyers Demand?
Depending on the particulars of your case, your attorney may be able to seek compensation for the following damages:
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are among the most important damages and sometimes these damages alone make up most of the jury award.
Both judges and juries are very sympathetic to the plaintiff who suffered because of the problems caused by a defective IVC filter.
Imagine, going in for a minor surgical procedure and being stuck with a defective IVC filter. You will then have to return for another major surgery to remove the defective filter. Risks and pain can be considerable.
Lost Wages
You can probably imagine the pain and injuries caused by a defective IVC filter will make keeping up with your usual work schedule impossible. Your lawyer will be able to calculate exactly how much time and wages were lost during the ordeal and factor this into the lawsuit filed.
Medical Bills
Addressing the internal injuries that are caused by faulty IVC filters is no small task. The surgery to remove and address the damage is an especially complicated one with a high risk of infection.
This will require considerable time in the hospital and very costly medications. All of this will be very costly, but you have the right to recover all of these expenses through an IVC filter lawsuit.
You will actually have to suffer damages to be able to file an IVC filter case. Simply having a filter installed does not make you eligible for compensation. Depending on where you file your IVC lawsuit, your case may be added to a class-action lawsuit.
Contact a San Francisco IVC Filter Lawsuit Lawyer in San Francisco
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a faulty IVC filter, you need to contact a mass tort lawyer who can examine the details of your case and provide you with expert legal counsel on what to do next in regard to an IVC filter lawsuit.
Call the San Francisco Mass Tort Attorneys of Rueb Stoller Daniel. Here you will have your case reviewed by experienced professionals that can tell you if you have a case and what it might be worth.
Remember that the manufacturer has a team of lawyers protecting their interests and you need expert legal support as well. Call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD to schedule your free consultation today.
All of our services and counsel are completely free until the case is won, so we never charge our clients any upfront costs.
