According to the CDC, roughly 900,000 individuals experience blood clots in the United States annually. Moreso, nearly 100,000 people die from blot clots each year in the U.S alone. Blood clots may occur suddenly and can affect anyone at any time, but some people are at a higher risk of experiencing blood clots than others. For those with an increased likelihood of blood clots, doctors may recommend an IVC filter. However, patients report that IVC filters contributed to severe life-threatening injuries. Thousands of individuals nationwide have experienced catastrophic issues with their IVC filters. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn about how an IVC filter lawsuit can benefit you.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who received an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter to prevent blood clots. Patients with IVC filters claim the devices punctured their veins and migrated or fractured, leading to serious injuries in many cases.
The IVC filter or Inferior Vena Cava device prevents blood clots in the body. Surgeons implant this small metal cage-like device in the inferior vena cava vein, the largest vein in the body, through either the groin or the neck. This vein brings oxygen-poor blood from the lower body back to the heart. The IVC filter catches blood clots and prevents them from reaching the heart or the lungs. Filtering the blood reduces the risk of clogged arteries in the lungs.
Doctors recommend IVC filters for patients diagnosed with or at a higher risk of developing:
Medical professionals have used IVC filters for over fifteen years, but many have reported issues with the device.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert with respect to retrievable IVC filters in 2010. Nearly 1,000 IVC filter patients submitted adverse event reports to the FDA from 2005-2010. The reports cited device migration, when the filter moves from the original location, as the most frequent complication.
In 2014, the FDA recommended that medical professionals remove IVC filters as soon as the patient no longer needs protection from pulmonary embolism. A mathematical model showed it is ideal to remove IVC filters 29-54 days after implantation. Overuse of the device puts patients at a greater risk for further damage. The FDA sent a letter to Bard stating the company failed to report its knowledge of malfunctioning devices that could cause injury or death.
Given the widespread urgency to remove harmful IVC filters, in December 2021, the FDA authorized marketing for the Philips CavaClear Laser Sheath. This laser-based device removes tissue to safely extract IVC filters.
The Journal of the American Medical Association found that IVC filter placement was linked to an increased risk of 30-day mortality in patients with venous thromboembolic disease and a contraindication of anticoagulation. Defects related to IVC filters may lead to serious complications and even death. Dangerous injuries linked to IVC filters include:
Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits for defective IVC filters that resulted in dire injuries. Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers of IVC filters may have been aware of medical complications associated with IVC filters, but did not adequately warn patients of these risks. For instance, in 2015, the FDA sent a letter to IVC filter manufacturer C.R. Bard regarding the company’s insufficient medical device reporting. The FDA noted that Bard neglected to report its knowledge of a malfunctioning device that could cause death or serious injury.
More than 14,000 lawsuits have been filed against IVC filter manufacturers, including Cook Medical, Boston Scientific, Rex Medical, Cordis, and Bard since July 2019. As of November 2022, there are 8,048 lawsuits consolidated in the MDL litigation against IVC manufacturer Cook.
Neither Cook Medical nor Bard have reached a global settlement. But, many court rulings have favored the victims of ICV filter complications. Trial settlement amounts include:
There have been multiple major IVC filter recalls between 2005 and 2015. Yet, Bard and Cook have not recalled the specific IVC filters identified in the lawsuits.
If an IVC filter injured you or a loved one, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Patients trusted manufacturers like C.R. Bard and Cook Medical for reliable and effective IVC filters, but these companies failed to provide the public with such devices. Lawsuits allege that certain manufacturers created unreasonably dangerous IVC filters riddled with design errors that contributed to the failure of these devices in thousands of patients. For years, the FDA has received an overwhelming amount of reports detailing IVC filters migrating, fracturing, and causing internal organ damage.
Furthermore, plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers should have known or may have willfully concealed relevant information regarding the malfunctioning IVC filters from medical professionals and patients. A malfunctioning IVC filter can have devastating impacts on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing. We understand the trauma and anguish that accompany a defective medical device. Our dedicated and capable team is on standby to speak with you about your potential IVC filter lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation.
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