IVC Filters and Lawsuits

Patients who are at risk of a pulmonary embolism, or a sudden blockage of a major blood vessel, often turn to anticoagulants to keep their blood from clotting. However, sometimes anticoagulants fail or the patient is unable to take them and an alternative form of prevention is needed. This is where Intra Vena Cava (IVC) filters come into play. IVC filters are tiny devices that are implanted in a patient’s veins as an alternative to treatment with anticoagulation. With a spider-like design, the device is made to catch clots in the blood stream and stop them from reaching the patient’s lungs and other vital organs.

Unfortunately, hundreds of reports are coming in from across the nation indicating that IVC filters may fracture and break after implantation. Reported complications include punctured organs and blood vessels. In addition, there have been reports of the “legs” of the filters breaking away and traveling into other organs of the body. Other reports have found the entire device can dislodge and migrate to different parts of the body. These faulty filters can cause serious injury and, in some cases, death. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in April of 2015 suggesting that patients with IVC filters, compared to those who were prescribed anticoagulants alone, may be twice as likely to suffer from a serious, and sometimes fatal, pulmonary embolism.

As a result of these defects and resulting injury, lawsuits have been filed across the country claiming negligence, failure to warn, design and manufacturing defects, breach of implied warranty, and negligent misrepresentation on the part the companies and their subsidiaries. Taylor Martino is a law firm that serves personal injury victims in Alabama and Mississippi. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay a dime unless we collect compensation for your case. If you believe that you, or a loved one, has been injured by a faulty IVC filter, please contact us today to get an experienced legal advocate on your side.

Read more about the status of IVC Filter Litigation at drugwatch.com